Jeff Nichols had been dreaming of creating a film about a 1960s motorcycle club for over two decades, inspired by Danny Lyon’s book “The Bikeriders.” This book, which offers a New Journalism-style depiction of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club, painted a vivid picture in Nichols’ mind of a story about rebels, romantics, and the end of an era.
However, Nichols did not fully anticipate the challenges and dangers involved in filming high-speed scenes with vintage motorcycles.
Despite the risks, Nichols and his team, including actors Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, proceeded without helmets, acknowledging that complete safety was unattainable. This decision was driven by a desire to capture the authentic and dangerous essence of motorcycle riding.
Their motorcycle expert emphasized that while dangerous, riding motorcycles can be empowering, encapsulating a philosophy of self-reliance and self-love, a sentiment echoed by Butler.
“The Bikeriders,” set to hit theaters nationwide, is a unique summer film featuring a star-studded cast including Jodie Comer, Michael Shannon, Norman Reedus, and Mike Faist. The film is a nostalgic homage to a fleeting era and a certain type of man, balancing romanticism with a clear-eyed look at the past.
Nichols aimed to avoid the trap of overly romanticizing the motorcycle subculture, instead focusing on the genuine joy and sadness associated with it.
Nichols has a talent for identifying actors on the cusp of stardom, as evidenced by casting Jessica Chastain in “Take Shelter” and Austin Butler in “The Bikeriders.” He cast Butler before his major roles in “Elvis” and “Dune: Part Two,” immediately recognizing his potential. Butler was attracted to the script’s depth and cinematic qualities, feeling invited into an intriguing world.
Butler’s character, Benny, is enigmatic and barely present in Lyon’s book, making him a blank slate for interpretation. Nichols initially envisioned Benny as restrained, but Butler’s emotive performance brought a new dimension to the character. Nichols realized that the character improved because of Butler’s heartfelt portrayal, illustrating the importance of balancing the script with the actor’s interpretation.
A significant breakthrough for Nichols was deciding to make Kathy the narrator, based on a real woman involved with the motorcycle club. Nichols found Kathy to be one of the most compelling figures in Lyon’s book, and Jodie Comer worked hard to authentically portray her. Kathy’s perspective offered a fresh, intimate outsider view that was more engaging and effective for the film’s narrative.
“The Bikeriders” blends fact and fiction, drawing heavily from Lyon’s work but not aiming to be a historical account of the Outlaws. Nichols focused on capturing the essence and culture of the time, using Lyon’s images and real-life inspirations while choosing to film in color to add realism. The film highlights the complexities of the characters and the time period without being overly romanticized.
The film’s journey to theaters faced obstacles, including a misreported issue with its release date due to the actors’ strike. Initially set for December, the film was later picked up by Focus Features for a summer release. Nichols clarified the distribution complexities, emphasizing the film’s unique production and release process.
Riding the antique motorcycles posed challenges for the actors despite their prior experience. The unpredictability of the vintage bikes added to the difficulties of balancing acting with riding.
Nevertheless, the cast found the experience exhilarating, capturing the film’s spirit. Memorable moments, like recreating Lyon’s iconic photograph, added to the authenticity and magic of the film, underscoring the blend of danger and excitement inherent in the motorcycle culture.