Summary
Danny Lyon, whose work served as the basis ofThe Bikeriders, enjoyed a long career beyond the events of the film. After spending several years traveling with and photographing the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, Lyon’s original work was published in a 1968 photo book titledThe Bikeriders. As an artist,Lyon is known for immersing himself in his subject, even becoming a full Outlaw member from 1966-1967. His photography and recorded interviews during this time helped inform the acting ofThe Bikeriders’ castand the production team’s greater understanding ofThe Bikeriders’ cultural context.
Lyon’s influence onThe Bikeridersfilm is evident. He even appears as a character, played by Mike Faist, who self-referentially gathers material on the biker subculture in 1960s Chicago.The Bikeriders’ post-credit photosshowcase some of Lyon’s work, using real photographs from his originalpublication. This homage allows audiences to see how faithful some movie scenes are in recreating and honoring Lyon’s original work. ThoughThe Bikeridersis the most famous of Lyon’s collections, it’s worth noting that he had a prosperous career after the publication of the film’s namesake.
Where To Watch The Bikeriders: Showtimes & Streaming Status
Tom Hardy and Austin Butler’s biker movie is here, and there are different options for where to watch The Bikeriders in theaters or on streaming.
Danny Lyon Made Many More Books After The Bikeriders
The Bikeriders Was Just The Start Of Lyon’s Decades-Long Career
Lyon produced several other books afterThe Bikeriders. His subsequent work,Conversations With The Dead, showcased the life of inmates in Texas prisons. As with his immersion inThe Bikeriders, Lyon spent multiple years observing and photographing prisoners for the project.Much of Lyon’s work revolves around socioeconomic issues and institutionalized oppression. Lyon’s other projects include an exploration of the construction of Manhattan and images of the Civil Rights Movement, with which Lyon was deeply involved. Throughout his career, Lyon also produced several semi-narrative short films, includingSocial Services 127, Los Niños Abandonados,andLittle Boy.
Danny Lyon Became An Award-Winning Photojournalist
Lyon’s Work Can Be Found In Many Famous Museums
Lyon gained distinctions for his documentary work, earning several important photography awards. Just after the publication ofThe Bikeriders,Lyon was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in photography in 1969 and received a second fellowship in 1978. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from The Art Institute of Boston in 1995. In 2022,Lyon was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame. His work is part of the permanent collections of multiple prominent institutions, such as the Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Smithsonian Institute.
Inspired by his work in Middle America, Lyon built a house in New Mexico, where he’s lived since 1970.Lyon continues to work, with his new bookThis is My Life I’m Talking Aboutreleasing in 2024. WhileThe Bikeridersmight be the first of his works adapted to film, many of his other publications share similar themes and messaging. IfThe Bikeridersis as successful as initial reviewssuggest, there might be potential for Lyon’s later work to be adapted to film as well. As an influential figure in literature, film, and photography, Lyon’s legacy promises enduring relevance in visual storytelling.
The Bikeriderswill be available to stream on Peacock after its theatrical run.
The Bikeriders
Cast
The Bikeriders is a 2024 drama exploring the turbulent relationship between Kathy and Benny, a member of the Vandals motorcycle club. As the club delves into violence, Benny faces a critical choice between staying with Kathy and his allegiance to the club.
