We Blew It
Typically one passes through the landscape, as a means, toward destination; but in Easy Rider movement through the landscape becomes an end in itself, specifically in terms of appreciating the landscape. Moreover, such appreciation of the environment becomes a way to rediscover one's self. (Laderman p.71)
Wyatt's comment at the end of the movie struck me to be a realization of their lives. The whole movie Wyatt and Billy were working so hard to make it to Mardi Gras. They went through some ups and a lot of downs on their journey. The quote I found in Ladermans' Driving Visions is explaining that, throughout their experience they were able to realize different characteristics about eachother and themselves. They met new people along their trip and thought they were on their way to success with all the money they had collected from selling drugs. Wyatt expressed that he thought they had failed and I feel Billy didn't understand why Wyatt would say that. Throughout the entire film Wyatt and Billy rode side by side. At the end of the film when they were riding down the road next to the open field, Wyatt drives ahead of Billy leaving him behind. I felt this scene really showed the separation of the two guys and the ugliness that was being portrayed. Wyatts' comment was a realization that just because they had a lot of money and drugs, they were still missing something. I think what they were missing was being with it all the time and living life without any subtances taking over their feelings.