Oil in the Blood

Oil in the Blood was first unveiled at the London Motorcycle Show in 2019, under the direction of Gareth Maxwell Roberts. This British documentary film represents an authentic embodiment of the renewed interest in custom-building motorcycles, capturing the engaging energy of a worldwide subculture that is rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of individuality.

Starring Hugo Eccles and Anthony Partridge, alongside a host of other motorbike enthusiasts and builders, Oil in the Blood provides a raw, insightful look into the global phenomenon of contemporary motorcycle culture. Taking viewers on an international journey across the United States, Japan, South Africa, England, Spain and many more, the movie opens up the world of these passionate builders and riders in an unprecedented manner.

Hugo Eccles, an acclaimed motorcycle designer, and Anthony Partridge, a renowned custom motorcycle builder and television host, add their own unique expertise and piquant observances to the narrative. Through their voices, the film powerfully articulates how traditional motorcycle cultures have been transformed by a potent mix of bespoke artistry and advanced technology.

The documentary excels in showcasing the diversity within this subculture. It details the different styles of bikes being built - from cafe racers to scramblers, to bobbers and street trackers. But beyond just mere aesthetics, Oil in the Blood skillfully digs deeper into the philosophies and ideologies that fuel the dedication and passion of these modern-day motorheads.

A significant portion of the film is devoted to examining the craftsmanship of these bespoke machines. Handmade functionality aligns with innovative design as the movie illustrates how these custom builders pour blood, sweat, and soul into creating unique motorcycle masterpieces. These are indeed more than machines; they're potent symbols of personal expression and freedom.

Sprinkled with high-octane adrenaline as it presents expertly filmed motorcycle racing, the film is not just limited to the grease-stained workshops or the picturesque open road. Extreme sports enthusiasts will appreciate the coverage of intense competitive events like dirt-track racing and ice racing, which add thrilling encounters to the narrative of the film.

Eccles, Partridge and other notable designers and builders, including Shinya Kimura, Maxwell Hazan, and Roland Sands, provide insightful commentary throughout the film. With their intimate, first-hand accounts, they delve into what truly drives their passion and creativity, and convey the essence of what building and riding these custom machines means to them personally.

In the backdrop of all these, the director unreservedly examines the modish commercialism that has arisen around this subculture. From motorcycle festivals and large-scaled gatherings to the influence of big brands and media, the film takes an observant stance on the corporatization of this counterculture. Politics of the motorcycle industry, its place in mainstream culture, the effects of social media, and the rise of a global community come into focus as the documentary explores its ever-evolving dynamics.

Deftly crafted with a raw, rugged visual aesthetic, Oil in the Blood fully embodies the spirit of its subject matter, not just in its content but also in its presentation. From wide shots of riders cruising along scenic vistas that capture the sense of freedom and adventure to intimate close-ups in dark workshops revealing the painstaking attention to detail, each frame is infused with a passion for motorcycles that's evident in every single turn of the engine.

The film's immersive narrative, underscored by a heavy rock soundtrack, is as intense as it gets. Much more than a simple motorcycle documentary, it's a tribute to the devotion, ingenuity, and resilience of those individuals who dare to stand out from the crowd, who dare to go against the societal grain, and who dare to rise above the corporate dominance by continuing to craft motorbikes that truly encapsulate their sense of self and representation of freedom.

To sum it up, Oil in the Blood is an enchanting journey through a world where love of design, speed and subculture intersect. It is a rallying cry for the custom motorcycle community and an intimate portrait of intricately crafted metal horses. Packed with infectious passion, undeniable authenticity, and loads of horsepower, it offers an in-depth look at the thriving essence of contemporary motorcycling culture. This is a high-octane cinematic ride that no bike enthusiast should miss.