Final answer:
The 1969 film is 'Easy Rider,' starring Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda, famous for its rock music soundtrack that cost more than the film's production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The landmark 1969 independent film you are asking about, which starred Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda, is 'Easy Rider'. This film is notable for its licensed rock music soundtrack, which indeed cost more than the entire film production budget. The use of music was so integral to the film that it became a pioneer in prioritizing a high-quality soundtrack, featuring artists like Steppenwolf and The Byrds.
While not everyone appreciated rock and roll, with many parents at the time seeing it as a threat to American values, it clearly resonated with the youth, becoming a symbol of freedom and rebellion during a time of social change.