The Bikeriders Review: Roars Thru' 1960s Chicago

Sindujaa D N
In 1960s Chicago, the gritty allure of a motorcycle gang known as The Vandals becomes the canvas for Jeff Nichols' deliberate exploration in "The Bikeriders." Inspired by Danny Lyon's photographic book, the film unfolds languidly, capturing the essence of oil-stained Americana through the lens of Mike Faist's Danny, a photojournalist absorbed in documenting the gang's turbulent existence.
Austin Butler's portrayal of Benny, a member of The Vandals, epitomizes patience and introspection. Each word is carefully measured, each action pregnant with contemplation. His character serves as a loyalist torn between conflicting influences: the quasi-fatherly Johnny, played by tom Hardy channeling a Brando-esque persona, and his passionate partner Kathy, brought to life by Jodie Comer. Kathy, a secondary storyteller, narrates her intertwined experiences with Benny and The Vandals across the shifting landscapes of the mid '60s to early '70s.
The film's narrative arc hinges on Benny's relationships and the gang dynamics, with supporting characters like Michael Shannon's bike-obsessed army reject and Toby Wallace's volatile youth adding depth to The Vandals' mosaic. However, their stories are overshadowed by the central conflict between johnny and Kathy for Benny's loyalty. As tensions rise and Johnny's leadership turns more severe, the film attempts to sustain momentum but struggles to maintain engagement.

"The Bikeriders" is a deliberate exercise in pacing, mirroring the unhurried spirit of its subjects as they navigate a world of camaraderie, violence, and the quest for identity on Chicago's streets. Nichols' direction, characterized by its sumptuous attention to detail and slow-burning narrative, paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era. Yet, despite its ambition and rich character studies, the film occasionally falters in delivering a compelling narrative drive beyond the internal conflicts of its protagonists.
Overall, "The Bikeriders" is a stylistically bold interpretation of Lyon's work, weaving together the threads of loyalty, conflict, and the search for belonging against the backdrop of a motorcycle gang's turbulent journey through 1960s Chicago.
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