The Bikeriders: Timeless Cool

Christina Correa
Jun 24, 2024
8 min read

A cinema's surround sound and larger-than-life visuals elevate every emotion, and when it comes to "The Bikeriders", that raw energy and those powerful performances roar just as loudly as the choppers do. Hop on, let's go for a ride.

Director & Writer: Jeff Nichols ( Take Shelter, Mud, Midnight Special, Loving)

Setting the Stage

When a film is based on real people and a specific moment in time, it offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the story, gaining a richer understanding of the characters and their era. This immersive experience is why I'm beginning this review by highlighting the real-life inspiration behind the narrative, showcasing how the story is lovingly tied to its setting and the real people who lived it.

"The Bikeriders" is inspired by Danny Lyon’s photo book of the same name, published in 1968. Lyon, a renowned documentary photographer, embedded himself with the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club (called the Vandals in the movie) during the mid-1960s, capturing the raw, unfiltered lives of the bikers. His black-and-white photographs, combined with first-person narratives from the community, paint a vivid portrait of a rebellious and tight-knit subculture.

In his own words, "It’s really about these blue-collar guys who loved motorcycles and loved each other”. The book stands out for its intimate, candid portrayal of the bikers' world, capturing a rare glimpse into their lives, relationships, and the unique camaraderie that defines their community, in the beginning. This powerful collection of images and stories served as the foundation for Jeff Nichols’ film, and are often referenced (see below)

Roadside Trivia: According to local newspaper "The Chicago Reader": When Lyon began to conceive of the project that would become The Bikeriders, he wrote seeking advice from Hunter S. Thompson, who spent a year with the Hell’s Angels for his own book. Lyon shares: 'He advised me not to join the Outlaws and to wear a helmet,” he says. “I joined the club and seldom wore a helmet."

Behind the Vision

Jeff Nichols' journey to bring "The Bikeriders" to the big screen began in 2003 when his brother gave him Danny Lyon’s photo book. Instantly obsessed, Nichols started discussing the project with actor Michael Shannon by 2004. Ten years later, in 2014, Nichols reached out to Lyon, determined to translate the evocative photographs into a compelling film narrative.

Known for his heartfelt approach to historical movies, as seen in "Loving," Nichols directs with an emphasis on authenticity, reflected in his meticulous attention to composition, performance and lighting. Excellent behind-the-scenes video here.

Just the Plot

"The Bikeriders" follows the journey of the Vandals, a midwestern motorcycle club of misfits started in the 1960s by Johnny (Tom Hardy) after he was inspired by Brando's character in "The Wild One".

A young gonzo journalist, Danny (Mike Faist) joins them to capture their essence in photographs and recorded interviews. Benny (Austin Butler) is the handsome lone-wolf of the group, pure in his intentions to just want to ride. The Kid (Toby Wallace) is a young street thug, desperate to belong, but turned away for his selfish intentions.

As told over a decade through the eyes of Kathy (Jodie Comer), Benny's wife, we witness the club's impact on their lives and the rise and fall of the community. Kathy and Johnny are seeking something in Benny that he is unable to give them. Will they find it in themselves? As tensions mount and times change, the story explores themes of identity and belonging, and the cost of living on the edge.

Pull over for the Review

I want to address the negative reviews briefly before I give you my own. If you have read any, look back and check whether they admit enjoying the film (they often do), and whether they consider the context and real recordings of events (they often don't).

"The Bikeriders" exudes a cool, effortless charm and with a beer in hand and an open mind you'll be taken on such a lovingly crafted ride. Its seeming simplicity is underpinned by a rock-solid confidence in the actors and craftsmanship in the writer/director, making it a nostalgic standout with classic movie-magic. The best surprise in this seemingly "manly" film is how the reliable narrator is a woman; Kathy as played to perfection by Jodie Comer. This perspective allows the film to present these men as truly being observed (exposed belly buttons, rotten teeth and all) and captures a unique cultural moment that even an outsider can recognize as special.

The only confusing element, for me, was the jump in time that happens later in the film. They did make it clear from putting the year and showing her change in hair that time had passed, but the "why" was not something I understood until it happened well into the change. They can't explicitly say it, so to give you a better chance to appreciate it, let me give you spoiler-free context: The movie is structured in two parts: Danny recording Kathy in the 60s and the 70s. The former interviews are about the club's good times and the latter are about the club's decline.

This film rewards its audience for their loyalty. Carefully crafted dialogue sets up satisfying payoffs throughout, especially at key turning points and the finale. Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Austin Butler may headline the cast, but the true joy of "The Bikeriders" comes from being enveloped in the rich tapestry of characters, each contributing to the experience of the club. Just like the Vandals' brotherhood, the film's ensemble fits like a hand in a leather glove.

Riding High: The Cast of "The Bikeriders"

Austin Butler in this movie made me question just like Zoolander "Did you ever think there's more to life than being really really really ridiculously good looking"? By design you are not meant to take your eyes off Benny, because the real protagonists, Kathy and Johnny, also cannot, for different reasons (mostly?). Austin's character was stoic, but as an actor, he had the challenging task of transforming what could have been a flat role into one brimming with quiet intensity, poised on the edge of violence. Butler has taken one step closer to being a movie star, and has left this film with a new set of peers. I look forward to seeing him in Heat 2 with Adam Driver.

In my last review I spoke of Jude Law using his decades of acting to give us a scene stealing portrayal of a weak king using violence to rule with fear. This week Tom Hardy uses his decades of experience to bring us a similar leader, who commands respect despite the threat of violence, and who watches his empire outgrow him, with no heir apparent, and what a completely different delivery. Sincerely it was a joy to watch him. Tom Hardy has reached a new phase in his acting, one that resembles The Method but is more akin to a chef’s artistry. He masterfully blends the archetypal with the mortal, grounding his characters in reality while subtly interacting with his surroundings and circumstances in a way that feels genuinely lived-in. Because of how films are shot out of order, it's impressive how he can maintain this.

Jodie Comer is unrecognizable in the way she immediately links to chatty Kathy and very easily allows us to us her character to access that world. If Kathy were not convincing and centered the film's thread might be lost, but with Comer on the job, through a glance here, a pout, big wide eyes and key poses, the narrative remains compelling and deeply engaging, ensuring that the audience is thoroughly grounded in the story.

I’ve been rooting for Jodie Comer for years, ever since I saw her in "Doctor Foster" and "Thirteen" on BBC nearly a decade ago.

She has made two notable attempts to capture American audiences with leading roles in "Free Guy" and "The Last Duel" and as the star of the hit series "Killing Eve". She recently returned to England for "The End We Start From" which I loved. She's an undiscovered gem, much like Diane Lane in her early days and I hope it won't take another decade to see her become well-known. I'm excited to see her upcoming performance in "28 Years Later" alongside Cillian Murphy.

Norman Reedus, a fan of the original book and an avid photography collector, actually owns some of Lyon's work. Reedus seemed to be in his absolute element, exuding joy as he portrayed Funny Sonny. The attention to detail in his character, especially the teeth, made his presence almost tangible—you could practically smell the scenes he was in. Despite his busy schedule filming "The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon", Reedus dedicated himself to flying out for this small but memorable role, showcasing his commitment and passion for the project.

Michael Shannon has a well-established collaborative history with director Jeff Nichols, and that familiarity and mutual respect shine through in his performance. Shannon’s portrayal of Zipko is a standout, with his comfort, energy, and craft evident in every scene. His fellow actors have expressed immense respect for Shannon and his work, particularly highlighting a powerful monologue that precedes a pivotal shift in the film. This scene left the cast in awe and "obsessed", showcasing Shannon’s captivating presence. If the professionals are this impressed, imagine the impact on the audience—an experience not to be missed!

Breakout Performances

Damon Herriman, a versatile character actor possibly best known for his ongoing bit part on "Justified," has also notably portrayed Charles Manson twice—in "Mindhunter" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (marking his second collaboration with Austin Butler). Although he’s 54, a breakout performance isn't about the start of a career but rather about the recognition that follows. Herriman deserves to enter the "That Guy" phase of his career, where his face and talent are recognized at least by the industry. In "The Bikeriders," he embodies Johnny's loyal lieutenant, Brucie, always attuned to Johnny's needs and whims, and subtly managing the club's operations. Nichols' careful casting shines through in Herriman’s nuanced performance, proving that beyond the "biker Conan O'Brien" look lies a deeply giving and skilled actor at work.

You'll be seeing more of Toby Wallace when Ron Howard's "Eden" gets a release date, but for now, we get to witness the early stages of this young actor's promising career. Playing The Kid is no small feat; to grasp the film's latter half, viewers need to understand his character, who has only about 10 minutes of screen time. The last time I saw a similar performance was Jamie Hector's portrayal of Marlo Stanfield in "The Wire."

In Wallace's own words: "He’s from a broken home, a broken economic background, and his motorcycle is assembled from parts he’s stolen from other bikes on the street. So this kid has nothing, and therefore, he’s got nothing to lose. That ambition, combined with a propensity for violence from his family, creates a very dangerous concoction that makes a guy like that quite frightening."

As I run out of gas, I find myself hoping I've done enough to elaborate on why "The Bikeriders" is a film worthy of cinema experience.

This movie is more than just a cool, thrilling journey through the past; it's a dream project two decades in the making. It's a labor of love that delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience. That’s the essence of That Super 8 Feeling—when the thrill of making a film is so profound, that it reaches you too, that they're doing it purely for the love of the artform, capturing moments that resonate deeply and stay with you long after the ride is over.