The greaser subculture, with its distinct style and rebellious spirit, has been a fascinating subject for filmmakers. Two movies that delve into this world are “The Wanderers” (1979) and “The Lords of Flatbush” (1974). Both films offer unique perspectives on the lives of young greasers, capturing the essence of their era while highlighting the differences in their storytelling and portrayal of the subculture.
Directed by Philip Kaufman, “The Wanderers” is based on Richard Price’s novel of the same name. Set in the Bronx in 1963, the film follows the lives of a gang of Italian-American teenagers navigating the challenges of adolescence, loyalty, and identity. The Wanderers, the gang at the center of the story, face rival gangs, romantic entanglements, and the looming threat of adulthood.
Accuracy to the Greaser Subculture: “The Wanderers” paints a vibrant picture of the early 1960s, showcasing the fashion, music, and social dynamics of the time. The greaser look—leather jackets, slicked-back hair, and rebellious attitudes—is well represented. The film captures the sense of camaraderie and territorial pride characteristic of greaser gangs. However, some aspects are dramatized for cinematic effect, such as the exaggerated gang rivalries and larger-than-life characters. While the film is true to the era’s spirit, it occasionally veers into hyperbole.
“The Lords of Flatbush,” directed by Martin Davidson and Stephen Verona, is a more intimate portrayal of the greaser subculture. Set in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn in the 1950s, it focuses on the lives of four friends—Chico (Perry King), Stanley (Sylvester Stallone), Butchey (Henry Winkler), and Wimpy (Paul Mace). The film explores their relationships, aspirations, and struggles as they navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Accuracy to the Greaser Subculture: This film is often praised for its authentic depiction of greaser life. The characters are more grounded, and their experiences reflect the day-to-day reality of young men in the 1950s. The fashion, attitudes, and social interactions are portrayed with a subtlety that resonates with those familiar with the subculture. The focus on personal stories and the nuanced portrayal of friendship and loyalty provide a more realistic glimpse into the greaser world compared to the more dramatic representation in “The Wanderers.”
While both “The Wanderers” and “The Lords of Flatbush” delve into the lives of greasers, they approach the subject from different angles. “The Wanderers” is more flamboyant, with heightened drama and a broader scope. It captures the zeitgeist of the early 1960s, with all its cultural and social upheavals. In contrast, “The Lords of Flatbush” is a quieter, more character-driven film, focusing on the personal growth and relationships of its protagonists in the 1950s.
Both films offer valuable insights into the greaser subculture, though in different ways. “The Wanderers” gives a sense of the broader social context and the colorful, often turbulent lives of greaser gangs. “The Lords of Flatbush” provides a more introspective look at individual experiences, emphasizing authenticity and emotional depth.
“The Wanderers” and “The Lords of Flatbush” are both seminal films that explore the greaser subculture, each with its own style and focus. While “The Wanderers” captures the exuberance and chaos of the early 1960s, “The Lords of Flatbush” offers a more authentic and personal portrayal of the 1950s greaser life. Together, they provide a comprehensive look at this fascinating subculture, highlighting the enduring appeal of the greaser image and ethos in American cinema.
