What makes an action film so riveting? Is it the pacing? Perhaps the use of colour or framing? Edgar Wrights (2017) Baby Driver1 is a wonderful example of a movie that utilizes a multitude of these elements to portray a fast paced and heart racing story. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Baby Driver follows the narrative of Baby (Ansel Elgort) as a young getaway driver of infamous crime boss, Doc (Kevin Spacey). The film contains numerous action scenes that make for an exhilarating watch. Baby Driver blends mise en scene elements and editing together stunningly.
One scene that comes to mind, in particular, is when Baby ruthlessly impales one of the main antagonists, Bats (Jamie Foxx) on a metal beam. This takes place immediately after a bank robbery instigated by Doc’s crew. The camera is at a flat angle looking in through the passenger side window of the car. It’s composed in such a way that leads the viewer’s eyes exactly where the director wants them to go. In this shot specifically Bats is in the foreground, the violence is very intimate and upfront. The viewer’s eyes then follow the blood splatter upwards to Baby’s face in the background. This creates a triangular composition2. The placement of the camera truly makes you feel as though you are part of the action, not through handheld footage but through the closeness the angle creates. Filmed in a 2.39: 1 aspect ratio,3 this makes perfect sense for a film involving a lot of car chase scenes, it truly emphasises the speed and the right to left action. The most interesting aspect to note is this shot his identity heavily focuses on the characters glasses. Bats is seen wearing vibrant pink LED lenses to conceal from security cameras. Whereas Baby’s glasses are used in a more metaphorical sense to mask his identity from the crew, he’s distancing himself from his grey morals. One of Baby’s lenses are broken, representing the shattering of that boundary he has created for himself as he kills Bats. The mise en scene is very deliberate in this shot.
While the shots are done in an artful manner, to make a captivating film you need quality editing. As per majority of action films, it’s quite fast paced; you can barely keep up with the action. There’s around a cut per second from 1:21:30-1:22-30. Splicing different shots to articulate a story that moves quickly and directly. Switching points of view between the crew, as they urge Baby to flee from the following authorities. While this doesn’t direct a motivated movement physically, it motivates the next shot verbally. Baby Driver takes advantage of the editing in this scene to foreshadow Baby driving into the metal beam. Flicking between Baby and the back of a truck with the pole sticking out the back. This allows viewers to follow the thought process and help predict what comes next. The editing brings each shot to life, allowing for a cohesive story.
As thrilling of a story as it is, it comes with its consequences. With a complete toll of twenty-three character4 deaths it’s a heavily graphic film. Violence in action movies may lead to violent behaviour in its audience. Particularly when it comes to vehicular violence, as it’s highly idealized. Studies suggest that “Showing heroes as risky drivers might provide attractive role models.” 5 This is certainly portrayed in Baby Driver. While Baby is only the direct cause of two deaths, he is the antagonist, making him more influential. The film appealed to many, grossing $226,945,087 worldwide.6 While it’s rated R and not intended for a young audience, the film may still attract youth. An experiment was done that proved that “children who see movie characters use guns are more likely to use guns themselves.”7 This is especially prevalent in the US where gun laws are much less strict. With violence in media becoming more and more prevalent, we become more desensitized to it. Gerbner and Gross state that “Symbolic violence. as any show of force, typically does the job of real violence more cheaply and, of course, entertainingly.”8 Therefore, making a spectacle of a very real-world issue has its consequences. We know that “sex sells” but so does violence.
Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver explores creative mise en scene and deliberate editing to produce a film that is complete with brilliant storytelling and fast paced action. However, not without some gruesome violence. Providing a role model that partakes in violent acts are heavily influential, especially in youth. Violence inspires violence, wear a seatbelt.
References
1. Wright, Edgar. Baby driver. Sony Pictures, 2017.
2. Lathrop, Gail, and David O. Sutton. “Elements of mise-en-scene.” Retrieved on January 3 (2014).
3. “Baby Driver.” IMDb. Accessed March 27, 2024.
4. Contributors to List of Deaths Wiki. “Baby Driver.” List of Deaths Wiki. Accessed March 27, 2024. https://listofdeaths.fandom.com/wiki/Baby_Driver
5. Beullens, Kathleen, Keith Roe, and Jan Van den Bulck. “The portrayal of risk-taking in traffic: A content analysis of popular action movies.” Journal of Communications Research 2, no. 1 (2011).
6. Baby Driver.” Box Office Mojo. Accessed March 27, 2024.
7. Dillon, Kelly P., and Brad J. Bushman. “Effects of exposure to gun violence in movies on children’s interest in real guns.” JAMA pediatrics 171, no. 11 (2017): 1057-1062.
8. Gerbner, George, and Larry Gross. “Living with television: The violence profile.” In The Fear of Crime, pp. 169-195. Routledge, 20
Kalina Currie
This analysis of the movie Baby Driver and the violence and action within Hollywood movies was incredibly well done. As a person who has seen this movie multiple times, the portrayal of the violence, mainly revolving around youth, through guns and fast-paced car chases within the movie, was executed well and perfectly explained. The assessment of the cameras and editing manner used was skillfully thought through and is well-written, and it describes how the editors and directors used these tools to portray the things going on within the movie. The sources used were skillfully thought through and applied well and when needed. I believe the scene chosen to represent the violence within this movie was well picked. It highlights all the points made within this essay, showing how the Camera movement led the audience’s eyes to the places the director wanted. In this scene, the audience sees how the lens of the baby’s glasses was broken and how it was explained what that represents and symbolizes in the film. It is an interesting take I have never considered while watching the movie. Overall, this was a written essay that was evidently put together thoughtfully.