The effects of fidelity with "air guitar" in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (page 4)

While all of these scenes are similar in effect, there is one scene in particular that is noticeably different from the others. This is when Bill and Ted meet up with Bill and Ted in the future; they actually travel in time to convince themselves to go on their excellent adventure. In this scene they again play the "air guitar", but this time are forced to vocally express the music rather than having the soundtrack play it. This is a sudden departure from the rest of the "air guitar" scenes and likely deals with the significance of Bill and Ted coming in contact with themselves. It could be interpreted that the only way for the future Bill to communicate with Bill and for the future Ted to communicate with Ted through "air guitar" would be by vocally expressing the notes. Regardless, their "air guitar" antics help reinforce the tightness of their friendship and provides a refreshing alternative to the fidelity that the viewer is expecting.

In the end, it is the un-human "air guitar" attribute that separates Bill and Ted from the rest of the world. For the audience to believe that they are truly "the great ones", the director had to do something that set them apart. By the use of fidelity, and lack there of, with the "air guitar", Bill and Ted are given qualities that others can only admire. Their uncanny ability with the "air guitar" helps highlight the movie's attitude, shows the special friendship of Bill and Ted, and allows us to believe that they might become "the great ones" of the music world as predicted.

Contact Michael Black at info@knowledgebed.com

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