View From The Brigette

Brigette Lundy-Paine chats Hendrix and hanging out.

Was Bill & Ted something you were aware before this role?

It was brand new. I got this script, and it was called The Ugly Butlers – I just thought that it was a very silly film. Then I was eventually sent the real title, and did some Googling, and I was like, “How the hell did I miss this? It looks incredible!” But this was before my first audition, and I didn’t want to watch too much, because I wanted to be as naive as possible. It was only after I got the job that I sat down with a bunch of friends and watched it. And I was blown away.

When did you and Samara get put together in that process?

Sam and I didn’t meet until we got to New Orleans, which was this perfect setting because the film is so much about music, so we spent a long time watching videos of people like Jimi Hendrix, just walking around New Orleans, getting daiquiris, going to the Quarter and sitting and listening to bands play.

Did you do anything to pick up Bill and Ted’s/ Alex and Keanu’s mannerisms?

A lot of the research on them was done through watching the first two films. And then once we met them, a lot of it was just chilling with them, getting to know them, and then just secretly watching their movements, and memorising little things they do. The relationship we had with these characters grew as we got to know Alex and Keanu more.

Kid Cudi plays a role in the film – can we expect other real-life musicians cameos?

There are cameos, there are cameos… Kid Cudi plays an essential role. I think people are going to be really excited to see how he fits in. But in terms of cameos, I don’t think I can say much else. Just get ready to be surprised!

Has any of the music you researched stayed with you?

Absolutely. I think the biggest thing for me is that I hadn’t listened to Jimi Hendrix before, which is so shameful to say. I’ll sit in my room and listen to it a year later, after filming. I’m still soaking up Jimi. Clara Rockmore, who is mentioned in the film early on, she was a theremin player. I’d never listened to theremin music before. I can’t say that it’s something I listen to every day. But let me tell you, it expanded my knowledge!