#17: Easy Rider, Arizona
Featuring a stellar cast with Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, and Karen Black, Easy Rider is a classic that defines the essence of road trip cinema. The plot follows Fonda and Hopper across the Southwest, laden with cash from illicit dealings, allowing audiences to bask in László Kovács’ breathtaking captures of Arizona. His work splendidly showcases the American West’s allure and harshness, making it a visual feast.
Easy Rider broke ground in storytelling through its eclectic soundtrack, boasting tracks from Steppenwolf, The Band, The Byrds, and Jimi Hendrix. The film also served as a significant platform for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, embedding them further into American culture. The combination of groundbreaking music and the symbolic Harley Davidson spotlight marked the film as an iconic piece of cinema history.