Easy Rider : Watched it for the first time in years

Watched it for the first time in years

Recently I had recorded "Easy Rider," and last night I decided to watch it. I should note that I saw it when it was originally released; I remember going with my mom and older sister...and realizing my mom was really uncomfortable at some points during the movie. I know I've seen bits and pieces of it over the years, but I don't recall ever watching it in its entirety since that original viewing when it was first released. Wow, was I in for a surprise, or two!

For one thing, the film is, obviously, extremely dated. From its late 1960s speak--like "man" thrown in every other word at times--to the whole hippie/commune/drug culture/long hair/crazy fashions, there's no doubt when it was made. But none of that bothered me. In fact, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy, remembering the idealism and freedom that the whole hippie/flower child culture was all about. Back then, I wanted SO BADLY to be older! I wanted to be a part of all that, but I was too young. (Now? I can't believe how old I am...and wishing I could be OLDER isn't something I ever find myself thinking.)

The music: I loved it. As above, it reminded me of my youth. I was surprised that I could still sing along with songs I hadn't heard in decades.

The scenery: WOW! I really liked the big, sweeping scenes when they were on the road. It was a real celebration of America in all its beauty. It reminded me of the awe I felt a million years ago when I first traveled across the country.

The LSD scene in the cemetery was uber-dated. Something about it just made me kind of cringe. (And, no, I'm not some prude who never used drugs. ) It just seemed so...1969. I wondered what people seeing the film now, for the first time, would think.

As for the demonization of the south, I think it was right on target--and I say that as someone who had the unfortunate experience of living in the south (Florida and Texas), and visiting all of the southern states, before returning home to California. The redneck/ultra-conservative/anti-hippie sentiment totally rings true for me, especially in places like Texas and Mississippi. I can only imagine what the south was like during the hippie heyday!

The ending...well, I knew it was coming. I remembered that vividly from way back when...and it still made me sad.


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