Tom Hardy's "The Bikeriders": An Authentic Ride Into Motorcycle Gang Culture
Buckle up, because we're diving into the wild and dangerous world of motorcycle gangs in Tom Hardy's latest film, "The Bikeriders." And who better to give us the lowdown than a former member of the Hells Angels himself? A dude named Pat Matter gives "The Bikeriders" a perfect 10 out of 10 for authenticity, praising its spot-on depiction of life as a member of an outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
"The Bikeriders" is directed by Jeff Nichols and stars Austin Butler, fresh off "Elvis", as Benny. This guy is torn between his commitment to his biker club and his love for Kathy (played by the amazing Jodie Comer). It's set in the 1960s, which adds a special vintage vibe to the whole Motorcycle Gang dynamic!
A Realist's Review from a Biker Expert
Let's just say, a former president of a Hells Angels chapter is NOT just saying stuff because he's in a movie scene! The dude knows his stuff! Matter loves the portrayal of a motorcycle jacket being a symbol of loyalty. Like, seriously, you have to fight or die for that jacket! In the movie, someone tried to rip Benny’s jacket off. Well, you can imagine how pissed off his biker gang, The Vandals, got – and Matter says they would totally have torched a bar.
Matter’s analysis is a big deal. This is real life, folks, it’s not some fictional drama that a Hollywood writer made up! He explains the "One Percent" rule that separates real outlaw bikers from those who just like to ride. This "One Percent" thing makes their lives different, a dangerous mix of freedom and being at war. You see a bomb go off in the film, and Matter said he witnessed similar things, making it pretty real. We're not just talking about a movie scene; this is actual history coming to life!
How Did "The Bikeriders" Do At the Box Office?
I have to say, even with the amazing cast, including Tom Hardy and Austin Butler, "The Bikeriders" didn't exactly break the bank. It was probably more of a "let’s enjoy it with popcorn" kinda film. While "The Bikeriders" might not have been a smash-hit in theaters, it's the kind of film that might end up being a favorite at home.
But "The Bikeriders" was totally praised for getting the setting right and telling a good story! You got all the raw elements of 1960s biker life, like violence, love, and loyalty - it's not all doom and gloom though! They really captured the camaraderie, the joy of being in that brotherhood, especially during a time when Biker Culture was exploding!
Behind the Scenes: Accuracy is a Key Ingredient!
The movie doesn't pull any punches when it comes to portraying the violence and recklessness of biker culture! It gives a clear look into what makes them tick and why they live on the edge. And we’re not just talking about those "big events". There’s also a more subtle take, like how Matter explained those club patches in "The Bikeriders." This is more than just an item, it’s about identity and loyalty, things you just can’t get in Movies about “superheroes.” The director, Jeff Nichols, he really understood that. And it shows!
When they decided to set this story in the 1960s, they nailed it! They had the right vibe, the perfect look for a motorcycle gang from back then - the leather jackets, the cool motorcycles, the gritty feel. The world they created really felt like a different time.
Beyond "The Bikeriders": A Look At the History
"The Bikeriders" is more than just a motorcycle flick. It’s a Crime Drama, it's a love story. It's a glimpse into this world of bikers, and it helps to answer the question: Why does it matter to people today, even though it was set so long ago? Those kinds of films they last way beyond the box office, because people really enjoy these deep dives into different worlds. They're drawn into that life and see themselves in it. It also makes viewers realize there's something cool about the history of these motorcycles!
A motorcycle club is a big deal, more than just a group of dudes who ride. It's a brotherhood, a sense of belonging in the face of society pushing back. These clubs they’ve got rituals, they’ve got codes, and it's all tied into a way of life! The fact that this movie was able to capture those elements – that's why it is such a great achievement. It’s something to pay attention to and we're here for all that badass storytelling, even if it takes us into some tough and serious places!
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