Review of Easy Rider (1969) by Brett C — 28 Jan 2014

Before Easy Rider, I never knew that Dennis Hopper was a director. I barely have even seen the films that he has starred in, but Easy Rider was something I just happen to stumble upon to when browsing around for films to watch. I have always wanted to watch a true motorcycle film, but never got the chance. So when I put Easy Rider on expecting it would be a road trip film, instead got something much deeper.

Easy Rider was written by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Terry Southern. This film was the first opportunity for Hopper and Fonda's to show off their screenwriting, while Southern has written a notable film before this, Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove. Easy Rider isn't a film that contains a driving plot, instead it is more of a journey that doesn't have a clear end. In this journey are stops where the main two protagonist encounter different people with different ways of life. The film explores the counterculture of the 60's in America and letting us be aware of their way of life. At the same time the film, discusses about the social stigma that is attached with that culture and the dangers that are present of being "different". I admire that the film haves us self-reflect on our ways to others that deemed different, but it never preaches for us to be tolerant to them. Instead the film lets us decide for ourselves whether we should embrace this other way of life. The film has a minor plot point or goal that we look forward to in the end, but the film doesn't let us focus on it. At one point I even forgot that the point of this trip was to get to the Mardi Gras and that they were loaded with cash. Wyatt's experiences throughout this journey does have a point for the character but he doesn't really reflect on it or even show any signs until the end. The film's final minutes may be disappointing for some, due to it being so abrupt and not giving us a comprehensive explanation, but I thought it worked really well as I felt it didn't need to be explained; the whole film is open for interpretation. The film follows two protagonist, Wyatt (Captain America) and Billy. Wyatt is the character is the one that is more relatable as his character comes off as likable and has more of a moral center between the two. Billy on the other hand may not seem like a hero and such but he is hilariously fun to watch. His character is the more eccentric of the two and he prevents the film from feeling too serious or too dramatic. Jack Nicholson comes in the film around 40 minutes in, and doesn't stay for very long but when he is in it, is probably the most entertaining aspect of the film. Nicholson's character, George, is a representation of sorts of the common man and so there are moments when both Nicholson and the duo interact with one's different point of view and culture. Not to prove a point but rather to see how it affects each other's lives. The highlight from Nicholson and also the film is when he has his speech about UFO's and his take on their existence, which dives into politics and human nature. It is so well done that it got me hooked on that concept. The dialogue in this film doesn't at all feel scripted, instead it feels more like say it as you go kind of thing. Either that, or the writers are just really great in writing dialogue. Easy Rider isn't an easy film to swallow, as care attention is needed to truly appreciate it with it's beauty being under surface.

The film was directed by Dennis Hopper and this was his first film. From the way it feels, on can just tell that this film is a debut film. The film did not have a huge budget and it seems that Hopper is just trying to make as much as he can with it. The film truly does feel ahead of it's time and that is one of the reasons why this film is so appealing and probably the main reason it made a huge profit. This risk could have easily turned against itself but maybe time was generous and the people during the film's release was ready for something different. Throughout the entire film, it bypasses so many of the cliche's that would be found in cinema during that time, it truly feels like a film that a director would want to make; pure vision. Hopper never makes it truly clear on what lies ahead, just like in a road trip back then; you know where you started and you know where you finish but you are not quite sure on what would come in between. Hopper has made Easy Rider a film to not become so much as a character study but rather be an experience of American culture. Hopper has made a film a representation of it's time, and this is one of the reasons that this film can feel overly nostalgic when watched today. Hopper wasn't afraid to be indulgent in exploring the cultures of the time period, he wants us to not just be aware but to understand on why they do what they do and live how they live. So don't expect the film to move along swiftly. Between the pit stops, Hopper allows us to watch them ride, which never got to a point of tiresome because it always looks and feels different; gaining a new experience every time. When we finally reach the Mardi Gras, we are treated to a hypnotic experience that is hard to forget, and finding it hard to truly understand it's purpose. Hopper could have somewhat snuck in a bit of substance during this scene so I would feel engaged. Dennis Hopper have directed more features after this but never have created a great one as this.

The film's cinematographer was Laszlo Kovacs. Looking at his filmography, he has worked on a wide range of films, varying in style and genre. Easy Rider was the first and earliest films that are now regarded as classics. His work here is interesting because never at a point did it every feel overly cinematic. The film's photography looks very natural and simple. Due to their budget, I think they were limited on their resources and couldn't have access to the best of the best. Though the film looks rough, it is what gives it it's personality. The film feels and looks amateurish which actually makes the film a much better experience. The film's photography, for the most part, always feels like it's on the go moving around and making the most of it's locations. The highlight of Kovacs' photography is when the two protagonists are riding their bikes throughout America. It shows us the natural beauty of the locations. Kovacs' never had to make the image look beautiful because the location will do it for him, all he had to do was shoot it. Kovacs and Hopper have decided to shoot the scenes in the New Orleans streets on 16mm, ergo the reason the scenes look rough and feels almost like the audience was looking through the eyes of a hazy memory, which works well in preceding towards the next sequence, which would have the characters be high on LSD, and the image would look even more psychedelic. Hopper has chosen to have the film be unique in it's editing. The film doesn't feel like a smooth experience, as Hopper employs sudden cuts and having back and forth cuts as a way transition to the next scene.

Easy Rider is a soundtrack driven film. It contains music that was commonly found during that time period; songs that were either psychedelic and unique, or stripped down and simple. These songs usually come on when the protagonists are riding in their bikes, and the music actually supports heavily on the film's cinematography; which makes the film feel even more beautiful.

The film isn't notable for it's acting, and this was intentional by Hopper as he wanted the film's themes and concept be the star. Peter Fonda here plays as a biker who seems easy going and approachable which is why the audience could easily connect with him in comparison to Billy. Dennis Hopper here plays as Billy. He gives this character such energy that it keeps the film from feeling down or serious. The improvised lines that Hopper gives off are a delight. Hopper keeps the film from feeling stale or dull. Jack Nicholson isn't for very long but when he is, he steals the show. Nicholson was the most "normal" out of the three and he does give off this third wheel kind of appeal to it, which I admire. Nicholson has a speech in the film, he does it so well that everything that came out of his mouth is pure gold.

Easy Rider is not for everyone but if one has interest in gaining a sense of nostalgia from that era or see a complete and uncorrupted take on a film, then this film will easily appeal to you.