Easy Rider (1969)

 

For all intents and purposes, it's a miracle this has actually turned out into a coherent film. Not only that, but one that speaks volumes to whomever watches it. According to various sources, the dialogue was mostly improvised, the leads nearly constantly stoned out of their minds and the crew a hodgepodge of local hires. 

And yet, you get a classic. Well done, gentlemen. Well done.

Wyatt and Billy are two guys who've had enough of a predictable life and want something else. But of course, you need money, so they make a pretty large deal with some cocaine so they can afford to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans first and then head out to Florida to live out the rest of their lives footloose and fancy free. But to make it all special, they decide to ride their choppers instead of taking something as mundane as a plane because this way they can see, feel and hear what America is like. 

Along the way, they meet up some interesting characters. They first encounter a farmer who has a good life, but which is not for our two leads. Then there's the hippie commune, which is the total opposite of the spectrum, but again: this is not for them. When they get closer to New Orleans, the are joined by a young lawyer (Nicholson) who comes from a wealthy and respectable family, but who doesn't fit in and drinks way too much to escape. Things go south when local hicks beat our leads up and George (the lawyer) dies as a result. This enormously puts a damper on their experience in New Orleans, as Wyatt starts to question whether or not it has all been worth it. 

And the ending is a real gut punch...

'Easy Rider' is of course a road movie, and not a lot happens except that our leads encounter people for a fraction of time, painting a picture of what life could be like and in truth: it's not all that nice. The bigotry and hostile nature of the townsfolk feels very real and also shatters the idea that the US is such a wonderful place. The monologue that Nicholson has concerning the concept of freedom probably says it best: many people claim to be free but aren't and when confronted by people that actually are free, they become violent and dangerous. 

The cinematography isn't perfect, but it captures the mood and tone extremely well and on top of that, you get some tasty tunes from the day. 'Easy Rider' is one of those films that made it cool again to ride a motorcycle and just enjoy the road, not to mention probably introducing the world to the concept of choppers (modified motorcycles). 

This is and always will be an enchanting film, as it gets under your skin and stays with you long after the credits have rolled. A stone cold classic.