A George A. Romero Retrospective: ‘Knightriders’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

‘I’m not trying to be a hero! I’m fighting the dragon!’
- Billy Davis

Within each and every one of us, resides a powerful dream. One that grabs onto our minds and our souls at a young age and never lets go. Because something about this dream, tells us that it will bring us great happiness, if we take the time to chase it, and the pursuit of that incredible dream has been the subject of a great many stories. Both professional and personal. For in addition to enjoying films where the underdog becomes the champion, or the longshot makes the team, we’ve also enjoyed stories at dinner or over drinks from people who are happy to tell us, what it was like to go after what they really want in life. And we love these stories for one reason and one reason alone; because they inspire us and energize us to obtain our dream as well and there’s nothing wrong with partaking in tales that ask people to be more. 
 
But where these stories do fall short, is in their execution. Because the people that tell us their tale, or the filmmakers that provide us with tear-jerking and inspirational finales, often gloss over the tough stuff in regard to chasing one’s dream. Because the harsh reality about this particular pursuit, is that it is not easy in the slightest. For in order to become a star athlete, hours upon hours of practice and repetition come into play before one ever takes the field, and sometimes… the underdog doesn’t win, despite going the distance. And of course, there is the sacrifice that comes with one’s dream as well. Because in order to achieve everything you’ve ever wanted in life, you will have to give up other things that you love, and dedicate yourself to your craft over anything else and to complicate matters further, there’s still more strife that comes with the chase.
 
Because another element about this journey that is heavily glossed over, is the sheer number of times that one will fail in their attempts to obtain their dream. Because what we chase is difficult and we’re not alone in its pursuit and well, sometimes all of these elements overwhelm a dreamer and motivate them to walk away and pursue something else. Which doesn’t necessarily mean that one is an outright failure in doing so. Because the discovery that you’re not athletic in the slightest, does complicate a dream involving becoming an NFL Quarterback. But in the end, these are the things that audiences don’t necessarily enjoy seeing in print or on screen, because it is a touch depressing for some. But George A. Romero is a filmmaker who was fearless in exploring any topic available to him and he went the extra mile in exploring the harsh realities that come with chasing one’s dreams in his next film, Knightriders.
 
For this particular tale holds nothing back in regard to the difficulties that come with ‘going for it’, since Billy Davis, our main character, faces challenges at every turn in keeping his incredible dream alive. For he's created a unique lifestyle for himself and his friends, one where he presides as King over a troupe of motorcycle riding knights, allowing for everyone to live in relative simplicity in a world that barely understands that word. But keeping this kind of life going, is no easy task. For it does indeed require great physical and mental sacrifice on Billy’s part because he is truly trying to embody the nobility that accompanies knighthood and monarchy. And in the 20th Century, or this one for that matter, that’s easier said than done when there are bills to pay and mouths to feed and ideas and ideals that mean more to individuals than what Billy is trying to instill within his troupe, and those external factors force him to work overtime and risk his health in order to keep this whole thing going and that unfortunately, leads Billy to try and rule with an iron fist.

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​Which is why we see his troupe begin to break up and drift, because they aren't good with demands being made of them and they really did expect something vastly different out of this unique and challenging lifestyle choice. In fact, they seemed to think this decision would put them on easy street, where the money would just roll in day after day, and that’s where the ‘hard work’ exploration comes into play. Because eventually Morgan and his boys come to realize that if they really want the spiritual freedom that Billy is offering them, they have to fully commit to it and really, all of these elements make for a fascinating story. One that is big on characters and the wonder and the power of dreams and how chasing them in the right manner will pay off in spades. For once everyone is on the same page, and commits themselves to what they desire, they find a peace and a joy they never understood before. 
 
But while that makes it sound as though this film ends in a fluffy and beautiful manner, this is a George Romero film we are talking about here. Which doesn’t necessarily mean that this story slides into dark and dreary territory, but it does take the time to look at the flip side of this notion and examine the dangers that come with chasing one’s dream as well. Because life is all about balance, and we have to find time for ourselves and our hobbies and our own happiness. Which means that we cannot let the dream completely consume us, because to do so blinds us to the realities of our situation and it can cost us what we love. As evidenced by Billy’s fall from grace at the end of the film and really, Romero does deserve serious credit for taking the time to explore this because it is an honest way to balance out some fantastical concepts. 
 
In fact, we would be foolish to not take a moment and talk about those concepts. Because this is hands down, one of the most creative and unique films that George ever filmed. For the idea of modern-day knights in a world that has questionable motives and a lack of honor, is simply fascinating in regard to how the heck that would work. Plus, there is something supremely cool about watching these intrepid knights ride motorcycles and beat the tar out of one another, all in the hopes of becoming champion of the day. If anything, it just seems as though George wanted to ponder upon whether or not honor was something that could truly have a place in modern America and well, it would seem that once again that answer is up to the audience since the movie never quite says whether that is possible or not. 
 
Yet while the story and the commentary present here are quite incredible their own respective rights, what truly allows for this film to shine, is its humanity. Because every character here is properly fleshed-out and they grow and they’re good people that we can relate to and their depth makes this an oddly intimate film. One that screams of something personal that Romero was trying to say about his own life and experiences in ‘fighting the dragon’ that was the studio movie system and if that’s the case, this may have been the first and last time that Romero bared his soul to the audience in such a direct manner. Either way, this really is one special film. Thanks to the fact that it explores some unique and powerful concepts that Romero would never take the time to dive into again. Because from here on out, it was all about terror and the darker side of the human condition, leaving one to wonder what might have been if George had received the opportunity to craft another intimate motion picture.     

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