Question 1

What is the story of Crossroads?

Accepted Answer

A wanna-be blues guitar virtuoso seeks a long-lost song by legendary musician Robert Johnson.

Question 2

Which festival screened Crossroads in 1987?

Accepted Answer

Crossroads was screened at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 1987.

Question 3

What is the connection between the film's climactic guitar piece and Niccolò Paganini?

Accepted Answer

"Eugene's Trick Bag" is largely based on Paganini's "Caprice #5," and Steve Vai replicates Paganini's legendary look during the duel.

Question 4

How did writer John Fusco get the idea for Crossroads?

Accepted Answer

In 1981, while visiting an old harmonica player at a rest home, Fusco dreamt up a story about what would happen if the player was a legendary blues musician.

Question 5

Why do Robert Johnson's original recordings sound higher-pitched than his actual voice?

Accepted Answer

His recordings were slowed down during mastering to fit longer songs on 78-rpm records, raising the pitch when played back at normal speed.

Question 6

What classical piece inspired the climactic guitar duel in Crossroads?

Accepted Answer

The piece "Eugene's Trick Bag" is largely based on Niccolò Paganini's "Caprice #5," with Steve Vai replicating Paganini's legendary look.

Question 7

How did writer John Fusco get the idea for Crossroads?

Accepted Answer

In 1981, after his girlfriend mentioned an old harmonica player at a rest home, Fusco dreamt up a story about what if that player was a legendary blues musician.

Question 8

Who played both sides of the guitar duel while acting as the devil's guitarist?

Accepted Answer

Steve Vai played both sides of the guitar duel while portraying Jack Butler, the devil's guitarist, with Ry Cooder handling slide parts and soundtrack production.

Question 9

Why do Robert Johnson's original recordings sound higher-pitched than his actual voice?

Accepted Answer

Johnson's recordings were slowed down during mastering to fit longer songs on 78-rpm records, raising the pitch when played back. Modern digital techniques correct this.

Question 10

Which festival featured Crossroads in 1987?

Accepted Answer

Crossroads was featured at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 1987.

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Crossroads

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