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Seriality and the Outlaw Biker Film Cycle, 1966-1972: A Historical and Critical Analysis

Gabriel Hayes

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Published in Hoodlum Movies: Seriality And The Outlaw Biker Film Cycle 1966 1972

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The outlaw biker film cycle is a subgenre of action films that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These films typically feature a group of motorcycle-riding outlaws who engage in criminal activities, such as theft, drug dealing, and violence. The outlaw biker film cycle is often associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s, and many of these films reflect the social and political unrest of the time.

Hoodlum Movies: Seriality and the Outlaw Biker Film Cycle, 1966-1972

by Peter Stanfield

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The outlaw biker film cycle is a fascinating and important subgenre of film. These films offer a unique perspective on American society and culture, and they provide valuable insights into the history of the motorcycle subculture. In this article, we will explore the history and development of the outlaw biker film cycle, and we will discuss the critical and cultural significance of these films.

History of the Outlaw Biker Film Cycle

The outlaw biker film cycle emerged in the late 1960s, with the release of films such as The Wild Angels (1966) and Hell's Angels on Wheels (1967). These films were inspired by the real-life motorcycle gangs that were becoming increasingly visible in American society. The films portrayed these gangs as violent and dangerous, and they often featured scenes of motorcycle chases, fights, and other criminal activities.

The outlaw biker film cycle quickly became popular with audiences, and a number of new films were released in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These films included The Born Losers (1967),Nam's Angels (1970),and C.C. and Company (1970). The outlaw biker film cycle reached its peak in 1971, with the release of Easy Rider, which became a commercial and critical success.

The outlaw biker film cycle declined in popularity in the mid-1970s, as the motorcycle subculture became more mainstream. However, a number of outlaw biker films have been released in the years since, including The Last Ride (1979),Stone Cold (1991),and Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014). These films have helped to keep the outlaw biker film cycle alive, and they continue to attract a dedicated audience.

Critical and Cultural Significance of the Outlaw Biker Film Cycle

The outlaw biker film cycle has been the subject of much critical and academic analysis. Critics have praised the films for their realism, their depiction of the motorcycle subculture, and their social and political commentary. The outlaw biker film cycle has also been criticized for its violence, its sexism, and its glorification of criminal activity.

Despite the criticism, the outlaw biker film cycle remains an important and influential subgenre of film. These films provide a unique perspective on American society and culture, and they offer valuable insights into the history of the motorcycle subculture. The outlaw biker film cycle is also a reminder of the power of cinema to reflect and challenge the social and political issues of its time.

The outlaw biker film cycle is a fascinating and important subgenre of film. These films offer a unique perspective on American society and culture, and they provide valuable insights into the history of the motorcycle subculture. The outlaw biker film cycle is also a reminder of the power of cinema to reflect and challenge the social and political issues of its time.

References

Brown, Mick. The Wild Angels: The True Story of Hells Angels Founder Sonny Barger and the 60s Motorcycle Rebellion. New York: HarperCollins, 2015.
Devereaux, Robert. Easy Rider: Riding the American Dream. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2006.
Houser, Patrick. Outlaw Biker Cinema. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011.
McGee, Patrick. Hell's Angels: A History of the Notorious Motorcycle Gang. New York: ReganBooks, 2009.
Shanks, Jeffrey. Outlaw Bikers: Outlaw Culture and Identity. New York: Routledge, 2013.

Hoodlum Movies: Seriality and the Outlaw Biker Film Cycle, 1966-1972

by Peter Stanfield

5 out of 5