Cinema
Easy Rider
Dennis Hopper · 1969
Synopsis
Wyatt and Billy buy cocaine in Mexico and resell it near Los Angeles airport; the money, rolled up in a tube, is slipped into the flag-coloured tank of Wyatt's motorcycle. They set off for New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Turned away from motels because of their look, they sleep under the stars, have lunch with a farmer and his family, follow a hitchhiker to his commune, then are arrested for following a parade without a permit. In a cell, George Hanson, a lawyer given to drink, gets them released and goes with them.
Context
The film's success, which earned about sixty million dollars worldwide, hastened the end of the power of the big studios. Hopper spent twenty-two weeks bringing a first cut of about four hours down to two hours forty-five; the editor Donn Cambern, with Peter Fonda and the producers, then imposed a ninety-five-minute version. Jack Nicholson, who was about to turn towards producing, replaced Rip Torn, who left after an altercation with Hopper, and the role of the lawyer earned him an Oscar nomination.
Who it is for
A film of one hour thirty-five minutes, with jerky editing, whose songs cost about a million dollars in rights.
Prizes and reception
First Work Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, two Oscar nominations, and added in 1998 to the National Film Registry.
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