He was a great actor that worked with some of the very best. I personally thought his scene Christopher Walken in True Romance was one of the most memorable in film history. But I could name so many others....
IMHO, he should have received an Oscar for Blue Velvet. But I still love the classic Easy Rider. RIP Dennis. You were so cool, man!
RIP Dennis. He was a great director, a great actor, an Icon and he will be greatly missed. At least he saw his STAR on the Walk Of Fame, before he died.
Many folks remember Fonda's "Captain America" bike as being iconic of the movie Easy Rider. At the time, my small group of small bore riders thought Hopper's bike was much, much the better looking ride, and probably a better driver as well. I don't remember if it was "bitchin," or "boss," or "hot," or "cool." Regardless, Hopper's old-school "Billy Bike" was tight: More pix here. Anyway, Salud!
Another unforgettable character in 'Rivers Edge'. It is not always what you say in the movies.... I heard Dennis Hopper was a pain to work with, from the movie makers, to the co-stars, yet before he died he was surrounded by the most credible people in the business. BTW, the Harley Museum in Milwaukee has a great replica of the Easy Rider bikes along with the film clips. And before Easy Rider there were a few movie giants he worked with.
Hopper was OK, but I think he's being built up right now. I mean, icon? I respect the guy--he was a good actor. But he wasn't Nicholson (his buddy) or Brando (his idol, along with every other actor of his generation) or Newman or Redford or Pacino or DeNiro.He didn't have that persona those others had to make them stars. The old Hollywood is gone now--done in by TV. There are fewer actors around--most not as good as the old breed--they simply haven't had enough practice. Nor is there the kind of material around to develop the talent. Sorry, but I grew up in the Golden Era, the 50s and 60s, when movies were still big and the stars were bigger. RIP, Dennis. Tell Marlon I said hello.
You get yourself down to the video store this minute, young man. Never seen Easy Rider. Shame on you.
I loved Easy Rider when it came out but I would warn anyone seeing it now that it is very dated so be prepared to be humored by the story line and dialogue. Dennis Hopper directed it and according to folklore, the scenes where they were stoned were not acting. Apparently, Fonda, Hopper and Nicholson were regular pot smokers. I found the James Dean movies Hopper played minor parts in like Giant and Rebel Without a Cause still stand up after all these years and those movies were made over 10 years earlier than Easy Rider.
