The Great Debate – Wayne’s World vs. Back to the Future

Welcome to the Great Debate, a new feature that asks you to argue for or against one of two opposing film-related elements.  You will make your case for why you think one element is better than the other.  Let the debate begin!

Best use of a song in a film

Bohemian Rhapsody – Wayne’s World

When “Bohemian Rhapsody” blasted from the speakers of Garth’s “Mirth Mobile” in Wayne’s World, it introduced a whole new generation to the music of Queen. Some movies are just made for fun and Wayne’s World is definitely one of those movies.  It’s made up of a series of funny moments and conversations and no scene is as memorable or as funny as the one where Wayne and Garth and their pals pop “Bohemian Rhapsody” into the car deck and head-band like crazy. 

Johnny B. Goode – Back to the Future

 “Chuck! Chuck, it's Marvin. Your cousin, Marvin Berry. You know that new sound you're looking for? Well, listen to this!”  When Marty McFly hit the stage at his parents high school dance in 1955, he treated the student body to a musical sound they had never heard before – Rock and Roll.  Marty writhes across the stage.  He plays the guitar behind his head and knocks over an amp. He riffs so hard that he stuns Marvin Berry and the Starlighters and everyone at the dance who stare at him with shock and awe after he strums the final chord.  “I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet,” Marty says.  “But your kids are going to love it.”

 

My argument is for Back to the Future: This match-up was a tough one for me because the “Bohemian Rhapsody” scene in Wayne’s World is one of those completely unexpected scenes that, thanks to the use of the right song at the right time, turned a simple and silly scene into a memorable and engaging one.  “Bohemian Rhapsody” has, for me, become synonymous with Wayne’s World.  You know you’ve created a great cinematic moment when hearing the song instantly brings the film to mind.  I can say the same thing about the use of “Johnny B. Goode” in Back to the Future.  This scene is perhaps even more memorable and engaging because the scene is just one wonderful moment in a series of moments in a movie franchise that has become one of the best of all time.  The implication that Marty McFly’s performance of “Johnny B. Goode” influenced the musical sound of Rock and Roll legend Chuck Berry is clever and amusing, and Marty McFly’s charisma and humour are displayed perfectly.  In my mind, Marty McFly is one of the all-time best characters in film and the “Johnny B. Goode” scene is just one example of why his character is so beloved and so unforgettable.