The Bikeriders,starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy, paints a picture of life in a motorcycle club during the ’60s, and, according to a former ‘bikerider,’ it paints an incredibly accurate picture. Jeff Nichols' movie, which opened to strong acclaim from critics and audiences, tells the story of the fictional Vandals motorcycle club as they grow from a group of bike enthusiasts to a fully-fledged gang. Factual realism has become a growing interest among moviegoers, as YouTube has become filled with videos of experts judging and reacting to some of our favorite movies. Thankfully forThe Bikeriders, it gets the highest score possible.
Pat Matter is the former leader of a Hells Angels chapter who served 17 years for his crimes and affiliation with the club. Matter recentlysat down with Insiderto look at various scenes of bike gangs from movies and TV to evaluate their realism. While dramas likeSons of Anarchyreceived mixed scores,Matter had nothing but praise forThe Bikeriders.
The Bikeriders
“One of my members from Minnesota was down there, and I was worried about him being… and I remember this very well. So I called down to find out if he was okay, and he was. And nobody got hurt on this, but it was quite a big deal.This one would be a 10 [out of 10], because it’s happened. I mean I’ve witnessed it personally.”
The Bikeriders Is Based on a True Story
Jeff Nichols' slow-burning exploration of masculinity, brotherhood, and outlaw culture is based on abest-selling photography book by Danny Lyon. Lyon photographed the real Outlaws Motorcycle Club (the main rivals to the Hells Angels) throughout the 1960s, exploring the type of people who became affiliated with the gang and how its power and influence spiraled out of control. All the characters in Nichols' film are based on people who Lyon photographed and interviewed.
The Bikeriders Coming to VOD Just 18 Days After Theatrical Debut
The Bikeriders joins a growing list of films that made their way to VOD shortly after their theatrical debut, including The Fall Guy and The Watchers.
The Bikeridersdoes something incredibly unique and meta with its source material. Not only is the movie based on Danny Lyon’s book, but its narrative is framed around Lyons' own investigations. Mike Faist plays Danny Lyon in the movie as he travels with the Vandals, capturing their highest and lowest moments. The film’s narrative is told from theperspective of Cathy (Jodie Comer), who reveals the history of the club through various interviews with Danny.
The Bikeridersis available to purchase on home video.
