Is Air Guitar Nation something of a first? Namely, a rockumentary with no real rock? This initially amusing but gradually more serious doco from debut filmmaker Alexandra Lipsitz takes an in-depth look at the art of 'air guitar", whereby enthusiasts wail, thrash and shred on imagined guitars with all the finesse and passion of Eddie Van Halen or Yngwie Malmsteen. Though a long time practice in Europe, 'institutionalised" air guitar has only just kicked off in the states, and Air Guitar Nation charts the first public competitions in America, which are the first stepping stone towards the world championships in Finland...yes, Finland. The home of Black Metal is also the home of the air guitar, and the nation shines like a beacon to invisible finger-pickers around the world.
As Lipsitz tracks the competition in the states and Finland, two fascinating and highly divergent characters emerge. Korean-American actor/comedian David S. Jung takes the stage as C-Diddy, a flashily costumed, lightning-fingered, highly orchestrated air guitarist who snatches the American crown. His nemesis is Dan Crane, aka Bjorn Turoque, who seethes with a jealousy and desperation not that far removed from F. Murray Abraham’s Salieri in Amadeus. It’s their rivalry that gives the film its core, though a number of supporting characters (including talent-on-the-rise Krye Tuff; and retired champ Zac Munro, who proclaims air guitar the purest art form in existence because of its total separation from all forms of materialism) constantly threaten to steal the limelight.
Though rich with humour, Air Guitar Nation works so well because it treats its unconventional heroes with respect and real affection, resulting in a surprising, vibrantly entertaining collision of hot licks, compelling character dynamics and genuine warmth.
Funny, quirky and entertaining – but never condescending or sneering toward its subjects – Air Guitar Nation is a fascinating look at a very unusual subculture.
Filmink 4/5
