Still “Born to be Wild” 40 years after its original release, EASY RIDER rolls into Hatch in a newly-restored 35 mm film print that has this counterculture classic looking (and sounding) better than ever.
Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda in "Easy Rider"
This low-budget exploitation road movie directed by then-unknown weirdo Dennis Hopper, not only pioneered the then-novel idea of using an all-rock music score (mostly songs from Hopper’s own record collection, including sensational tracks by Steppenwolf, The Byrds, The Band and Jimi Hendrix), it also turned out to be a huge financial success and a cultural phenomenon that turned the movie industry on its ear, going down in history as the “movie that changed Hollywood forever.”
EASY RIDER chronicles the search for freedom by two motorcycle-riding drifters (Hopper and Peter Fonda as “Billy the Kid” and “Captain America,” respectively) who use a drug deal to finance a cross-country road trip. On their way to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, they cruise Monument Valley, hang out at a commune, party with a pair of French Quarter working girls and go through the screen’s baddest acid trip ever. Thrown into a southern jail, they meet up with an alcoholic lawyer (Jack Nicholson, in an Oscar-nominated performance), who springs them loose and joins them on their journey across America.
Including cameos by Karen Black and record producer Phil Spector, and co-written by Hopper, Fonda and Terry Southern (Dr. Strangelove, Barbarella), EASY RIDER struck a raw nerve with late ’60s youth and ushered in a new, edgier era of American filmmaking.
(Dennis Hopper, 1969, 95 mins., rated R)
“A man went looking for America. And couldn’t find it anywhere…”
9:30 pm, Friday. October 2, 2009 – FILM PREMIERE – 40th Anniversary of “Easy Rider”
Come see the newly restored release of "Easy Rider" at the 2009 HatcHfest
“A touchstone of the counterculture and a harbinger of the New Hollywood. The new 35mm [restored] print returns Captain America and Billy the Kid to a state of youthful vigor.” – A.O. Scott, THE NEW YORK TIMES
“PERHAPS THE QUINTESSENTIAL AMERICAN ROAD MOVIE! Remains a powerful expression of the open highway’s iconic appeal.” – The ONION AV CLUB
“EDITOR’S PICK! Hopper’s counterculture classic transforms with time. A decade ago, it felt quaint and dated; today its spirit of rebellion and cynical take on the American Dream feels downright visionary.” – NEW YORK MAGAZINE
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
where can one purchase tickets to watch Easy Rider this coming Friday October 2 and one reserve a ticket via a credit card?
tickets?
Hi Dean,
The HATCHfest box office opens Wednesday, Sept. 30th in the lobby of the Emerson Cultural Center. Our box office will keep regular hours, and a box office schedule is posted on our site.
The Emerson is located at 111. S. Grand Ave. Please click here if you need a map or directions!
If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to write back!
What all goes on during Hatch Fest and how much are the tickets?
Jim, so much goes on at Hatch that it would be impossible to list it. However, the one thing that stands out the most are the panels. Ranging from women excelling to journalism to cinematography. There are several more that you can attend, most of the people attending will be showing interest based on their industry. Hatch also has a vast amount of music and film coming in for the festival. Costs vary depending on what you want to attend. But most panels are free, here is a link to the schedule and costs are listed with every event. http://www.hatchfest.org/schedule/ If you have more questions please do comment back.