“The Bikeriders,” a captivating new film from acclaimed writer and director Jeff Nichols, is a unique cinematic exploration into the often misunderstood world of motorcycle culture. The film, inspired by Danny Lyon’s seminal photographic and oral history of a Midwestern outlaw motorcycle gang, serves as a richly layered narrative that delves into the psychology of outsider groups and the unique dynamics of a love triangle.
The Birth of an Idea
The initial spark for “The Bikeriders” came to Nichols nearly twenty years ago when his older brother, Ben, introduced him to Lyon’s work. Ben, a musician, had intended to use one of Lyon’s photographs for an album cover. While the album cover idea did not come to fruition, the book had a profound impact on Nichols. He became deeply connected with the photographs and text, which were first published in 1968 and later reissued.
Nichols was particularly drawn to the 2003 edition of Lyon’s book, which featured a preface written by Lyon himself. This preface recounted the fates of some of the gang members and mentioned a key event—the challenge to the leadership of the club’s leader, Johnny. This event, according to many, marked the end of the golden age of motorcycles. Nichols used this as a launching point to shape his film.
The Journey Begins
Despite not having a personal connection to motorcycle culture, Nichols was committed to bringing an authentic portrayal of this unique community to the screen. He often revisited Lyon’s website, Bleak Beauty, for inspiration, immersing himself in the gritty, candid shots of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club in their heyday.
In a moment of serendipity, Nichols discovered QuickTime files of original audio used in Lyon’s book on the website. The voices of the real people speaking added another dimension to the text, giving Nichols the final push he needed to start writing his screenplay.
The Narrative Unfolds
In “The Bikeriders,” the narrative operates on two levels. On one hand, there’s the story of a love triangle involving Johnny, Kathy, and Benny. But layered beneath this is the exploration of the psychology of outsider groups. It shines a spotlight on the alienation felt by those who don’t fit into societal norms, using the character Zipco as an example of a man who is rejected by society and finds solace in the motorcycle gang.
The Characters Come to Life
The film features an impressive cast, including Jodie Comer, best known for her role as Villanelle on “Killing Eve.” Comer plays Kathy, a conventional Midwestern girl who falls for Benny, the young motorcyclist. Comer was excited to work with Nichols and found the script, inspired by photographs from the 1960s, to be both unique and enticing. Comer drew inspiration from the photos and audio interviews of Kathy, bringing her character to life with depth and authenticity.
The Authenticity of Production Design
Nichols’ dedication to capturing the essence of the bikers’ lifestyle extended to the film’s production design. The production team, led by Chad Keith and Adam Willis, meticulously recreated the settings from the photos. The attention to detail extended to every visual element in the film, from the characters’ clothing to the locations. They sought to create frames filled with life and specificity that mirrored the dense richness of Lyon’s photographs.
In Conclusion
“The Bikeriders” is a film that goes beyond the surface of motorcycle culture, delving deep into the psychology of its characters and paying homage to a specific moment in time that can never be replicated. Nichols’ commitment to authenticity and storytelling is evident in every frame, making this movie a must-watch for film and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. It is a testament to the power of images and narratives in shaping our understanding of diverse cultures and communities.
