Review of Easy Rider (1969) by Eric S — 27 Jan 2010

Brilliant film directed by the great Dennis Hopper about two young bikers experiencing "the ultimate freedom" as they are crossing the country for Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Jack Nicholson's character portrayal of the alcoholic lawyer George Hanson is somewhat brief yet quite memorable. Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper turn in first rate performances as well that stick with you well after the film is over. Fonda's line, "We blew it" really makes a statement which is difficult to put a finger on, but effective in the sense that it's done in a powerful, simple way near the end of the film. When the film comes to it's end, it gets you thinking about what that line really means, and what occurs throughout Wyatt's and Billy's journey that makes or brakes the "American dream" for these two characters in that particular time at the height of the "hippie" culture in 1968 America.