Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy Dive into 1960s Biker Culture in “The Bikeriders”

Actors Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy delve into 1960s American motorcycle culture in their new film “The Bikeriders.” The film, written and directed by Jeff Nichols, was inspired by photojournalist Danny Lyon’s evocative photography and oral history of the 1960s Midwestern biker subculture.

“The Bikeriders” chronicles the rise of the “Vandals,” a fictional motorcycle club based in Chicago. The film traces the club’s evolution from a family-oriented group to a band of outlaws. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Kathy, portrayed by Jodie Comer, as she recounts her initial encounter and subsequent relationship with the wild and enigmatic Benny, played by Austin Butler, and the club’s founder, Johnny, played by Tom Hardy.

Both Butler and Hardy, experienced motorcyclists, performed their own riding stunts in the movie. However, operating vintage motorcycles from the era was a novel experience for them. “We had months beforehand to get used to the particular motorcycles we were riding because new bikes are very different from these old bikes,” Butler explained at the film’s premiere in London. Hardy added, “There was an orientation with the bikes so you understood that they’re a piece of machinery that will do what it wants, when it wants. They were difficult to operate when they wanted to be.”

Director Nichols emphasized the authenticity of the period-correct motorcycles used in the movie, but acknowledged the challenges in filming the riding scenes. “It was incredibly scary because the truth is, there’s no way to entirely make a human being without a helmet on, riding at speed on a 60-year-old motorcycle safe, in a pack, no less,” he said.

Arkansas-born Nichols, known for previous films like “Loving” and “Mud,” drew inspiration from the subjects of Lyon’s work for the heart of the movie. “Danny had a beautiful gift for getting people to open up and talk about themselves, people that maybe a lot of people don’t want to talk to, maybe people that some people don’t feel need to be talked to,” he said. Nichols clarified that his fascination lay not in the motorcycle culture itself, but in the people Lyon recorded in 1965.

“The Bikeriders” promises a gritty and immersive look into a transformative era in American history, brought to life by the compelling performances of Butler, Comer, and Hardy. Through their portrayal of complex characters navigating a tumultuous subculture, the film offers a nuanced exploration of identity, rebellion, and community.

READ MORE:

• Teen’s Hasty Sale of Property for Motorcycle Overturned by Henan Court
• Elegant Transformation of 1960s Mid-Rise to Executive Apartment on The Peak
• The Enigmatic Museum of Yoshitaka Hyodo: A Deep Dive into Japan’s Subculture