Review of Easy Rider (1969) by Laura C — 13 Aug 2011

After letting it digest in my mind, I can say that this is among the other great sixities films I've seen, including The Graduate and A Hard Day's Night. What makes this particular film stand out not only lies in its commentary on the hippie vs.

establishment mentality of the time, but it's production behind the scenes. Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda wrote a very rough script that would be altered during the production itself, which was carried out for well under a million dollars.

This is a testament to independent filmmaking's role in changing an industry that's increasingly difficult to change. As for the film itself, it's a unique experience that relies on its imagery and subtext rather than spelling out each and every thought of the two heroes (Fonda and Hopper, while Hopper also directed the picture).

And while the story is seldom uplifting, it hits the nail on the head in describing the absurdity of American bigotry and intolerance of change. A solid period piece, for sure. But Easy Rider is also a rare look into the mythical counterculture as a whole.