The Bikeriders is the new movie that combines the talent of big screen stars and is starring Austin Butler (Elvis and Dune), Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) and Tom Hardy (Venom) in the main roles.
The crime drama was directed and written by Jeff Nichols, who is known for being responsible for Take Shelter. The story follows the emergence of a Midwestern motorcycle club throughout the lives of its members.
The action thriller premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival but will have its major cinematic debut worldwide on July 12 of this year, and many are wondering if the plot is fictional or real…
Is The Bikeriders based on real events?
It’s difficult to determine if “The Bikeriders” is based on true events, as the film is actually inspired by Danny Lyon’s iconic black-and-white photography book of the same name. So, the story itself is fictitious.
The book is a seminal work in documentary photography and focuses on the life of a motorcycle club called “The Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club” during the 1960s, which is one of the most significant in America.
The photographer, known for his ability to capture subcultures and marginalized communities, joined the club and spent several years traveling with them, allowing him to capture intimate and authentic images of the bikers.
Without a doubt, Lyon’s work is more than just a photography book; it is a visual testimony of a unique subculture at a particular moment in American history, as it offers an intimate, unique, and honest look.
What is the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club?
The Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club, commonly known as the Outlaws, is one of the oldest and most notorious motorcycle clubs in the United States, founded in 1935 in McCook, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
Their logo, known as “Charlie”, is a skull crossed with pistons. This iconic symbol represents the identity of the club, similar to other organizations of this style within the country.
Being a member is not easy, as they have a strict code of conduct and internal rules that all members must follow. This includes loyalty to the club and its members, as well as maintaining respect and discipline.
Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club. (Source: @MOCAlosangeles)
Over the years, they have been known for their strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty among themselves. They are part of the “1%” biker subculture, which refers to clubs that operate outside the law and conventional social norms.
They have been involved in various illegal activities over the years, including drug trafficking, extortion and violence. They have also had confrontations with the Hells Angels, the club on which the series “Sons of Anarchy” is based.
