Though it was made in the 1960s, this excellent film gives insights into many timeless themes. In random order, these include the search for meaning in life, sense of freedom, the importance of an alternative lifestyle (shown in both the hippie/commune and biker culture), the difficulty of coping with a changing order, intolerance of difference and bigotry, and the role of recreational drug use.
The situations and characters show a wonderful naivety - what you see is what you get from everyone. Nobody plays games or tries to hide their true feelings. Sometimes what we get is deep and fine (eg the farmer's family), other times it's deep and terrible (southern rednecks), or other times again it doesn't amount to much (eg commune drama), but is still totally honest. What is really great about this movie is that it encourages the viewer to acknowledge their own feelings about the themes in an equally direct and honest way, but also to realise that none of these aspects are totally clear cut.
The movie won't please everyone, because the demands of the film for honesty are too much for some. Though many will like the wonderful entertainment, especially the cinematography and soundtrack. (How did we ever get away from such fine music 30 years ago to what we have today?)
For me, the most evocative aspect is the long road scenes. These need to be long because they actually give a personal sensation of freedom in the way only American roads can. Often you feel you personally are on a third (unseen) bike travelling in a group with the other two. Not that many road movies manage this.
Jack Nicholson of course was the stand-out actor and Dennis Hopper was very good, but I feel that Peter Fonda's performance was also first rate. He gave a dispassionate distance to all that was happening which somehow encourages you to observe but not judge.
Unforgettable images and has the possibility to change your life perspective. That has to make it a really first-rate movie - and it is. One of my top 20 movies.
The situations and characters show a wonderful naivety - what you see is what you get from everyone. Nobody plays games or tries to hide their true feelings. Sometimes what we get is deep and fine (eg the farmer's family), other times it's deep and terrible (southern rednecks), or other times again it doesn't amount to much (eg commune drama), but is still totally honest. What is really great about this movie is that it encourages the viewer to acknowledge their own feelings about the themes in an equally direct and honest way, but also to realise that none of these aspects are totally clear cut.
The movie won't please everyone, because the demands of the film for honesty are too much for some. Though many will like the wonderful entertainment, especially the cinematography and soundtrack. (How did we ever get away from such fine music 30 years ago to what we have today?)
For me, the most evocative aspect is the long road scenes. These need to be long because they actually give a personal sensation of freedom in the way only American roads can. Often you feel you personally are on a third (unseen) bike travelling in a group with the other two. Not that many road movies manage this.
Jack Nicholson of course was the stand-out actor and Dennis Hopper was very good, but I feel that Peter Fonda's performance was also first rate. He gave a dispassionate distance to all that was happening which somehow encourages you to observe but not judge.
Unforgettable images and has the possibility to change your life perspective. That has to make it a really first-rate movie - and it is. One of my top 20 movies.