Summary
"Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex-Drugs-And-Rock 'N' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood" by Peter Biskind chronicles the extraordinary era of filmmaking in Hollywood during the late 1960s and 1970s. It delves into the confluence of social upheaval, artistic innovation, and personal excess that defined this period, often considered a golden age of American cinema. The book explores the intertwined lives and careers of a generation of filmmakers who challenged the established studio system and created enduring classics.
The narrative begins by setting the stage with the crumbling of the old studio system, weighed down by financial losses and a disconnect from the burgeoning youth culture. Enter a wave of young, ambitious directors, including Dennis Hopper, Arthur Penn, and Bob Rafelson, who, fueled by the French New Wave and a desire to reflect the changing times, sought to create more personal and relevant films. Their early successes, such as "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Easy Rider," marked a turning point, signaling a shift in power from the studios to the filmmakers.
As the decade progresses, Biskind examines the rise of such iconic figures as Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg, all of whom navigated the treacherous waters of Hollywood with varying degrees of success. Coppola's struggles to maintain artistic control while battling financial pressures during the making of "Apocalypse Now" serve as a cautionary tale, while Spielberg's journey from television to blockbuster filmmaking highlights the changing landscape of the industry. The book does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of this era, delving into the rampant drug use, sexual promiscuity, and ego clashes that plagued many of these filmmakers.
"Easy Riders, Raging Bulls" also examines the influence of individuals like Robert Evans, the charismatic head of Paramount Pictures, who played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many of these directors. However, his personal demons and self-destructive tendencies ultimately led to his downfall. The book analyzes the impact of key films, such as "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull," which pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and explored the darker aspects of the human condition. It examines the relationships between these directors and their muses, such as Peter Bogdanovich and Cybill Shepherd, and how these relationships often became intertwined with their creative endeavors. As the 1970s drew to a close, Biskind charts the decline of the New Hollywood, as financial pressures and corporate control reasserted themselves. The rise of high-concept blockbusters, exemplified by "Star Wars" and "Jaws," signaled a return to more commercial filmmaking, leaving many of the risk-taking directors of the previous decade struggling to adapt.
Ultimately, "Easy Riders, Raging Bulls" is a captivating and often cautionary tale of a generation of filmmakers who dared to challenge the status quo and left an indelible mark on American cinema. While their personal lives were often tumultuous and their careers marked by both triumph and tragedy, their films continue to resonate with audiences today, serving as a testament to the power of artistic vision and the enduring allure of Hollywood's last golden age.