A few weeks ago a Deadline preview of the upcoming Cannes Film Festival mentioned, in passing, that Jeff Nichols’ “The Bikeriders” would not be ready on time for the Cannes Film Festival.
That didn’t make much sense to me because I’ve been tracking this film since its production began and it all really leads to a Cannes bow. Hell, even the production sheet, which I’ve seen firsthand, has a post-production process officially ending on May 15th, a day before Cannes begins.
Nichols wrapped shooting “The Bikeriders” in Ohio last November. The main cast consists of Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy.
According to a Redditor, the film was test-screened on March 2nd, and looked ready, here’s their posted reaction:
I went to a test screening last night and it seemed like 90% finished. So I’m surprised at this [Deadline] article. At the screening we were told some of the sound isn’t finished mixing and some of the score was temporary. It was a pretty good movie! Really well made, and there’s just enough humor and gritty violence to accompany a screenplay that we’ve more or less seen before. Not a bad thing, though! Everyone in the film was great.
I wasn’t underwhelmed, overall had a great time. And maybe it wasn’t trying to be something really unique? After all, it is based off a book. It’s familiar, but in a good way. These days you just have to make a well crafted film that captures your attention for the whole runtime (which this did) to get some form of critical acclaim. I think the movie will do well with critics and some audiences. As for reshoots, not super necessary. I would maybe add or replace scenes with certain characters to get more of an impact at the end of the film. Expect an “R” rating as well. Mostly for language and violence.
It’s still a good 4 star movie. And just given the way that the Oscars have played out the last few years…I’d still expect this film to be in contention at some point in the race. I could see Jodie Comer and possibly Butler and Tom Hardy sneaking in…but I doubt it given there’s tons of films coming out this year with probably powerhouse lead performances. In regards to the R rating….no nudity or sex. But Butler and Comer have good chemistry for what their relationship is.
They go on to mention that this is a very good addition to Austin Butler’s filmography. He’s not necessarily the lead but shares equal screentime with Hardy.
There’s also comparison to the raw grittiness and vibes of “The Place Beyond the Pines,” an authenticity that Nichols is very much known for.
The film is said to be a fictional story inspired by the photography of Danny Lyon and his 1967 book The Bikeriders. If you’ve been following Nichols over the years then you know he’s been trying very hard to get this passion project greenlit.
“The Bikeriders” is set in the 1960s following the rise of a fictional, midwestern motorcycle club. Seen through the lives of its members, the club evolves over the course of a decade from a gathering place for local outsiders into a full-out gang, threatening the original group’s unique way of life.
It’s been 5 years since “Loving.” Nichols is coming off the longest break of his career. His filmography includes “Take Shelter,” “Mud,” and “Midnight Special.”
Nichols has always been on my Cannes predictions and remains there. French critics love him as much as they love James Gray.
“The Bikeriders” will be test-screened again this week, this time in California
“Hope,” Na’s first film in ten years — his last one being the exemplary “The Wailing” —is a gloriously messy, blood-soaked sci-fi epic that may become a cult classic despite—or because of—its polarizing nature.