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The Bikeriders film put to the test by a real Hells Angel leader
Albany

The Bikeriders film put to the test by a real Hells Angel leader

The Bikers, starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy paints a picture of life in a motorcycle club in the ’60s, and according to one former “biker,” it paints an incredibly accurate picture. Jeff Nichols’ film, which was well received by critics and audiences, tells the story of the fictional motorcycle club Vandals, which evolves from a group of motorcycle enthusiasts to a full-fledged gang. Actual realism is growing in popularity among moviegoers, as YouTube is full of videos of experts reviewing and reacting to some of our favorite movies. Luckily for TThe Bikersit receives the highest possible score.




Pat Matter is the former leader of a Hells Angels chapter who served 17 years for his crimes and membership in the club. Matter recently sat down with Insider to look at various scenes of biker gangs from movies and television and assess their realism. While dramas like Sons of Anarchy received mixed reviews, Matter had nothing but praise for The Bikers.


In Matter, a scene was shown in which Tommy (Tom Hardy) orders his gang to burn down a bar in revenge for the attack on Benny (Austin Butler). Although the scene seems overly dramatic compared to reality, Matter rated it 10/10 for its realism.He said: “In 1994, we had a potential chapter sponsored by the Minnesota Hells Angels, the Hells Henchmen, and they had a clubhouse in Chicago. Well, of course, the Outlaws are from there and they didn’t agree with another club wanting to join the Hells Angels. So a bomb was placed in a car right outside the clubhouse, and I believe it was the third largest bomb in the history of the United States.” Matter added:

“One of my members from Minnesota was down there and I was worried about him … and I remember it very well. So I called to see if he was OK, and he was OK. And nobody got hurt in it, but it was a pretty big deal.
This would be a 10 (out of 10) because it happened. I mean, I witnessed it personally
.”



“The Bikeriders” is based on a true story

Jeff Nichols’ slow-burn exploration of masculinity, brotherhood and outlaw culture is based on a bestselling photography book by Danny Lyon. Lyon photographed the real Outlaws Motorcycle Club (the Hells Angels’ main rivals) in the 1960s, exploring the kind of people who joined the gang and how their power and influence spiraled out of control. All of the characters in Nichols’ film are based on people Lyon photographed and interviewed.

Related

“The Bikeriders” comes to VOD just 18 days after its theatrical debut

“The Bikeriders” joins a long list of films that have been released on VOD shortly after their theatrical debut, including “The Fall Guy” and “The Watchers.”


The Bikers does something incredibly unique and metaphorical with its source material. Not only is the film based on Danny Lyon’s book, but its narrative is also built around Lyon’s own investigation. Mike Faist plays Danny Lyon in the film, who travels with the Vandals and captures their highs and lows. The film’s narrative is told from the perspective of Cathy (Jodie Comer), who uncovers the history of the club through various interviews with Danny.

The Bikers
is available for purchase on home video.


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