The Bikeriders – 8

A movie based on a book of photographs is a novel concept (if you pardon the anti-pun). Accordingly, it describes a place and time and a particular subset of people: bikeriders. Enough happens to keep the story moving, but without the dramatic tension of a plot-driven film. It’s watching people. And what people! Jodi Comer is Oscar-worthy as Kathy: she creates a character you believe in, and with her supple, subtle face nails every emotion, every reaction. Almost as magnetic is Tom Hardy as Johnny, the gang leader, who mumbles to make Marlon Brando proud. Austin Butler falls between Brad Pitt and James Dean but is much better than he was as Elvis. The supporting cast is stellar (who recognized Michael Shannon?) and the soundtrack, led by the Shangri-las, is an evocative joy. And every so often the camera frames a scene that you know must have been a Danny Lyon photo.