Out of Nothing

Out of Nothing, released in 2014, is an electrifying documentary that combines the thrill of cutting-edge engineering and the sheer joy of motorcycle making with a story about the quest for ultimate speed. It reflects the pursuits of dreams, the resilience of the human spirit, and the passion that drives some individuals to the brink of potential fruition or failure. More than just another motorcycle movie, Out of Nothing threads through the intricate fabric of life itself.

This exhilarating movie centres around four independent motorcycle-builders: Carl and Mark Bjorklund, Jason Omer, and Bill Woods. They are not the standard crop of fame-seekers or cutthroat competitors but rather, humble dreamers and skilled craftspeople, each with their exclusive creative vision and unyieldilng determination. Carl and Mark Bjorklund are brothers whose complementary skills make them an unbeatable team. Carl's scientific acumen coupled with Mark's artistic vision creates a fusion of brilliance, making them stand out as extraordinary motorcycle manufacturers. On the other hand, Jason Omer and Bill Woods, although not portrayed as brothers, share a similar level of dedication and commitment to their craft, each specializes in their own niche within the motorcycle-building community.

Set deep in the rich landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the film gives us an intimate glimpse into the lives of these four men, their families, their triumphs, and their struggles. The scenery, as captured in high-definition, becomes a critical character in the movie, setting a center-stage for the men's endeavours. As the narrative unfolds, the audience gets a brief introduction into their backgrounds, hopes, dreams, and the roads they travelled on their journey to where they are now.

Out of Nothing unfolds the unadulterated spirit of American motor sport and conveys the personalities, creativity, and daring that makes it such a captivating spectacle. The dream these men share is not just about building the fastest motorcycles on earth but also about testing boundaries, overcoming personal adversity and uniting that collective willpower. That dream eventually takes them to the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, America’s iconic arena for setting land speed records. Their mission is to join the prestigious 200 Mph Club, an exclusive roster of speed enthusiasts who have broken the 200 mph barrier on a variety of vehicles.

As the movie progresses, viewers are guided through the various engineering challenges and structural complexities involved in fabricating these motorcycles. The film does a splendid job showcasing these experts ploughing their craft, sourcing parts, designing engines, tweaking exhaust systems and making countless other adjustments, all with a single goal in mind – unparalleled speed. Out of Nothing offers a comprehensive insight not only into the incredible tenacity and resourcefulness of these passionate individuals but also into the intricacies of custom motorcycle design.

The documentary not only tells the story of building a motorcycle from scratch but also captures the ethos of the builder's world and what drives them. The film lays bare their successes, their failures, and their relentless quest for perfection in an unforgiving landscape. The film captures the camaraderie between these men, their unwavering allegiance towards the shared dream, and the undercurrent of rivalry always present in the pursuit of such high stakes.

A commendable aspect of Out of Nothing is its exploration of the builders' personal lives. The trials and tribulations of their everyday life lend a tangible human aspect to the larger-than-life dream they are pursuing. The film does an excellent job in portraying them as not just hardcore speed enthusiasts but equally as loving fathers, supportive brothers, and caring partners.

Directed by Chad DeRosa, Out of Nothing stands as a high-octane tribute to the undying spirit of innovation and the unquenchable thirst for speed. The beauty of the film lies in its simplicity and its unflinching portrayal of the human spirit that refuses to surrender despite overwhelming odds. Moreover, throughout the narrative, the film stays rooted in its central theme encapsulated by its title - creating something extraordinary out of nothing.

Out of Nothing challenges conventional notions of victory and success and becomes a cinematic emblem of hope and resilience. This masterpiece not only appeals to motorcycle enthusiasts but also to anyone who appreciates human grit and the unlimited potential that it carries. This is a thrilling, yet inspiring story about the pursuit of dreams and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It captures the essence of a deeply personal journey set against the backdrop of visceral speed. In essence, Out of Nothing is not just a motorcycle movie; it's a movie about life, dreams, passions, family, and everything in between.