It is a film that recalls legends of the genre: “Easy Rider” and “L’Équipée Sauvage”. And for good reason: “The Bikeriders”, in theaters on June 19, 2024, also tells the – true – story of a gang of bikers in the American Midwest in the 60s and 70s, with Austin Butler and Tom Hardy in the main roles. Rubber, chrome, leather, testosterone and, in the middle, a woman, played by a 31-year-old British woman, Jodie Comer. Encounter.
What made you want to accept this film?
I have wanted to work with director Jeff Nichols (“Mud,” “Loving,” “Take Shelter”) for years. When he offered me this script that he wrote himself, I was immediately fascinated by the plot. My desire to participate in this filming was only more intense when I learned that the script was based on a true story.
How did you approach your character, Kathy?
She is an exuberant woman who says exactly what she thinks. I was very lucky because I had an audio recording of almost half an hour of Kathy’s interview, which allowed me to learn a lot about this woman. I remember reading the script while listening to her voice, and falling in love with her. Kathy knows how to tell the stories of these bikers very well. She narrates the film and most of the adventures take place from her point of view.
Director Jeff Nichols wrote his screenplay based on a photo book dedicated to this biker gang. Did this book also help you get into Kathy’s shoes?
Yes, because even though it didn’t have many photos of Kathy, this book was an immense help. Having these shots of her allowed me to find important details for my interpretation. Kathy was both masculine and very feminine in certain details, like her nails which were always red and perfectly maintained, or her beautiful hair.
What is your best memory from filming?
I will never forget the first day of filming. We worked at night, around a campfire, a scene where I had no lines. It was three in the morning and my partner Michael Shannon had two pages of text to say and we were all admiring him. Watching Michael Shannon play his role was like watching a film lesson. I felt very comfortable and protected by my partners, even though I was almost the only woman in this man’s world.
How did you build your bond with your partner Austin Butler, who plays the character of Benny?
Austin is adorable and respectful. During the first part of the production, we hardly had any lines together and we had to convey our emotions through our eyes. When Kathy meets Benny and his biker friends, she is rather disgusted and scared by this gang, but she immediately feels attracted to Benny. What makes their relationship interesting is that Benny seems incapable of giving her the security and stability she seeks.
