Motorcycle Gear and the Movies

From The Wild One to Wild Hogs, cinemas portrayal of the motorcycle world has been varied. Many of these movies have managed to spawn iconic images that have influenced american and world culture.

Take a look at these stills for example:

Marlon Brando - The Wild One

Steve McQueen - The Great Escape

Peter Fonda - Easy Rider

Dennis Hopper - Easy Rider

Phil Daniels - Quadrophenia

Tron Light Cycle - Tron Legacy

and now, we give you Tom Hank as Larry Crowne, future scooter icon.

Not exactly setting the world on fire, are we.

In Larry Crowne, Tom Hanks is portraying the "everyman on a journey through life" and just because his togs are dull it doesn't mean his spirit is.

Remember, this is a movie and no matter what the characters are wearing, or how plain they seem to look, they are carefully costumed by designers.

In some movies, characters undergo a transformation and that is made evident in their clothing. Based on the Larry Crowne clip, Larry seems to upgrade his rather pedestrian look to a black leather jacket and dark jeans. Making him look more youthful, tougher, leaner and more appropriately attired for the road.

I am wondering how "authentic" the scooter gear is for this movie. I am almost positive NONE of it is armored, based on the fact that movies are often style over substance.

I can't say I am thrilled about the films helmet choices as well. Fulmer helmets? Not sure, need to see more. Not the safest way to really ride, but heck, the actors sure look cool. Just wait till someone gets hit by a ladybug in the lip...DAMN! that stings.

Until the movie comes out, we can only speculate if the Larry Crowne character will truly impact scooter culture in America. Tom Hanks is one of the most likable actors in our time, and I am sure he will do for scooters what he did for Shrimpin' Boats.

Actually, I am being sarcastic. I do think this movie may have an impact on scooter culture.

Who knows, beside creating Forest Gump, Tom Hanks as Larry Crowne could join the ranks of the motorcycle pantheon of demi-gods, right up there with Marlon, Steve, Peter, Phil and Dennis.