Watch Flake and Flames

Flake and Flames is a visually stunning documentary film that revolves around two of the most prominent custom motorcycle builders in the world, namely the American Jason Jessee and the Danish national Dirk Behlau. With the contributions of other contemporary motorbike designers and artists, the documentary covers the journey of the two builders, as they travel around the globe to showcase their masterpieces and seek inspiration from the diverse cultures they come across.

The movie opens with a voice-over of Dirk Behlau and Jason Jessee talking about their individual journeys into the custom motorcycle industry, and how they fell in love with the art form at an early age. Jason Jessee, a professional skateboarder turned custom bike builder, explains how he became fascinated by the mechanics of bikes and how he started his own custom bike business. Meanwhile, Dirk Behlau, a renowned photographer, and designer in the custom bike industry, shares his story of how he discovered his passion for bikes and art and how it has evolved over the years.

One of the highlights of the movie is the beautiful cinematography that captures the intricate details of the custom bikes on display. The film takes the viewers on a journey of exploration from the hot and dusty highways of California to the artistic streets of Copenhagen, revealing the creative processes behind some of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made. From the welding of metal frames to the painting of intricate designs on the fuel tanks, the film captures the meticulousness of the artists as they bring their ideas to life.

Along the way, viewers are introduced to a cast of other notable custom motorcycle builders and artists, including Roland Sands, Julian Heppekausen, Alex Horn, and Cole Foster. These artists share their own experiences and insights into the custom motorcycle scene and their thoughts on the state of the industry. They discuss the influences and inspirations in their work and how they stay motivated in the face of challenges.

Apart from documenting the creative processes of the designers, Flake and Flames also dives into the personal lives and stories of the artists. The documentary explores their personal struggles, their highs, and their lows, and reveals how they draw inspiration from their everyday lives to create stunning masterpieces.

Throughout the movie, there is a strong sense of camaraderie between the designers, who often band together to support one another. They share tips and techniques, and offer each other feedback on their work. The movie shows how the custom motorcycle industry has become a close-knit community, where competitions are friendly and constructive criticism is given generously.

Overall, Flake and Flames is a remarkable documentary that takes the audience on a journey beyond the garages and workshops of the custom bike building world. It explores the passion, creativity, and drive that fuels this niche industry and puts the spotlight on the artists who make it all happen. Whether you are a fan of custom motorcycles or just a lover of art and creativity, Flake and Flames is a must-see film. It offers a unique perspective into the world of custom motorcycle culture and the people who bring it to life.

Flake and Flames is a 2010 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.