Easy Rider (1969)

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Written by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Terry Southern

Directed by Dennis Hopper

Also known as "Busco Mi Destino"

Running Time: 100 minutes (approx)

Production Year: 1969

Rating: 18 Certificate

Filmed in Colour

Although it has faults, at times feels dated and it's hard to fully justify its revered place in cinema history, Easy Rider set a benchmark for pioneering film-making in the late 1960s and early 70s, and is still considered by many to be the ultimate road movie.

A highly experimental film, it was written by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Terry Southern, directed by Hopper and produced by Fonda. It follows two oddball dropouts - Wyatt (Fonda) and Billy (Hopper) - who sell some cocaine, stuff a vast amount of cash into the fuel tank of Wyatt's chopper, and head east down the highway, trying to reach New Orleans in time for Mardi Gras.

En route they pick up a hitchhiker who leads them to a very "far out" hippy commune where they experience free love and are given LSD. Later they befriend alcoholic but square lawyer George Hanson (Jack Nicholson), and the trio set out on the road. And that's when their acid-fuelled adventures - and the madness - really begin...

Picking up two Oscar nominations and numerous awards, it is a must-see, but with reservations. And although it's only an hour and a half in length, it feels considerably longer. Oh, and the soundtrack, featuring Steppenwolf, Jimi Hendrix, the Byrds, the Band and the Electric Prunes, is sublime.

Cast

Peter FondaWyatt
Image for Dennis HopperDennis HopperBilly
Antonio MendozaJesus
Phil SpectorConnection
Mac MashourianBodyguard
Warren FinnertyRancher
Tita ColoradoRancher's Wife
Luke AskewStranger on Highway
Luana AndersLisa
Sabrina ScharfSarah
Sandy Brown WyethJoanne
Robert Walker Jr.Jack
Robert BallMime
Carmen PhillipsMime
Ellie Wood WalkerMime
Michael PatakiMime
Image for Jack NicholsonJack NicholsonGeorge Hanson
George Fowler Jr.Guard
Keith GreenSheriff
Hayward RobillardCat Man
Arnold Hess Jr.Deputy

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