Watch The Girl on a Motorcycle

The Girl on a Motorcycle is a British film from 1968 directed by Jack Cardiff and starring Marianne Faithfull, Alain Delon, and Roger Mutton. The movie follows the story of Rebecca, a newlywed bride who decides to leave her husband on her wedding day to embark on a solo journey across Europe on her beloved motorcycle to reunite with her former lover, Daniel.

The movie begins with a stunningly shot and staged sequence of Rebecca's wedding. The serene white dress of the bride is juxtaposed by the dark leather jumpsuit of her secret lover, Daniel, who is watching the ceremony from afar on his black motorcycle. As soon as Rebecca and her groom exit the church, she abandons the wedding festivities and goes on the road to meet Daniel.

As Rebecca races across the picturesque European countryside, the movie delves into her mind, revealing her inner thoughts and flashbacks to her past. Through these flashbacks, the audience learns about her first encounter with Daniel and her eventual marriage to her current husband, Raymond (played by Mutton).

As Rebecca travels further, her journey becomes more strange and surreal. We see her navigating different terrains, interacting with unusual characters, and grappling with her own fears and desires. The landscape becomes a character in itself, with transitions that mirror Rebecca's emotional state, as she struggles with her feelings of liberation and guilt.

Marianne Faithfull delivers a superb performance as Rebecca, capturing the complexity and nuance of a woman torn between her commitment to her husband and her wild streak. Alain Delon is magnetic as the masculine and mysterious Daniel, capturing the danger and allure that Rebecca is so drawn to. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their connection is very convincing.

The direction of Jack Cardiff is also praiseworthy. He gives the movie an almost dreamlike quality, with a masterful use of color and camera angles that capture the intensity of the characters' emotions. He also handles the motorcycle sequences with skill, creating thrilling and suspenseful moments that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat.

The Girl on a Motorcycle is a captivating film that explores the themes of freedom, passion, and self-discovery. It is a landmark in British film, heralding a new era of unconventional storytelling and experimental cinematography. The movie has a cult following, and it is not hard to understand why. Its bold and sensual style still feels fresh today, and the story is timeless in its portrayal of a woman's search for identity and fulfillment.

Overall, The Girl on a Motorcycle is a remarkable film that deserves to be seen and appreciated by aficionados of classic cinema. It is a must-watch for fans of Marianne Faithfull and Alain Delon, who both deliver career-best performances, and for anyone who loves well-crafted cinema that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

The Girl on a Motorcycle is a 1968 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.