Premiere - The Bikeriders: A great Premiere in Paris

By Mulder, Paris, Max Linder Panorama, 05 june 2024

On June 5, 2024, the Max Linder Panorama cinema in Paris hosted an exceptional preview of the film The Bikerider", directed by Jeff Nichols. The event took place in the presence of the director, who answered numerous questions during a masterclass following the screening, offering viewers a unique opportunity to discuss his working methods and inspirations.

The Bikeriders is a crime drama set in 1960s America. The story centers on the rise of a fictional Midwestern biker club, the Vandals, through the lives of its members. The gang, led by Johnny (played by Tom Hardy), evolves from a simple group of misfits to a much more dangerous outfit. The character of Benny, played by Austin Butler, is at the center of a conflict of loyalties between his love for Kathy (played by Jodie Comer) and his commitment to the gang.

Jeff Nichols' masterclass was a highlight of the evening. During this session, Jeff Nichols answered numerous questions from the audience, offering valuable insights into the making of The Bikeriders. He explained that the film is loosely based on Danny Lyon's photo book, which documents the lives of members of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Nichols discovered the book some twenty years ago and was deeply moved by the images and stories it contains.

The director shared his creative process, underlining the importance of the quest for identity in the film. According to Nichols, The Bikeriders “explores the way in which individuals seek to define themselves through their membership of specific communities, a theme he finds particularly relevant in today's context. He also discussed the technical challenges of making the film, including shooting the motorcycle scenes with vintage vehicles, which required intensive training for the actors.

The Bikeriders was praised for its meticulous recreation of the 60s, thanks to the expertise of the technical team, including set designer Chad Keith and costume designer Erin Benach. The film was shot in 35 mm to maintain a retro aesthetic, and the motorcycles used were all authentic models from the period.

The event was a great success, attracting many film buffs and motorcycle enthusiasts. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to see the film before its official release on June 19, 2024, and to take part in an enriching discussion with Jeff Nichols. The evening marked an important step in the promotion of The Bikeriders, promising a warm welcome for its theatrical release. 

We only regret that this public session was privatized by Mediawan, the only Universal Pictures France partner to film this masterclass, while the public and press present in the room had to content themselves with taking a few photos under total surveillance throughout the masterclass.

You can see our photos on our Flick page

Synopsis:
In a bar in the city, Kathy, a young woman with a strong temperament, meets Benny, who has just joined the Vandals biker gang, and immediately falls under his spell. Like the country as a whole, the gang, led by the enigmatic Johnny, is gradually changing... Whereas the bikers used to welcome all those who had trouble finding their place in society, the Vandals become a gang of shameless thugs. Benny must choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the gang.

The Bikeriders
Written and directed by Jeff Nichols
Based on The Bikeriders by Danny Lyon
Produced by Sarah Green, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Arnon Milchan
Starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, Mike Faist; Norman Reedus
Cinematography : Adam Stone
Edited by Julie Monroe
Music by David Wingo
Production companies : Regency Enterprises, New Regency, Tri-State Pictures
Distributed by Focus Features (United States) Universal Pictures (France)
Release dates : August 31, 2023 (Telluride), June 19, 2024 (France), June 21, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 116 minutes

Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville