How Edgar Wright Sets Up Baby Driver - First Scene Breakdown

Summary

In this analysis of the opening scene from *Baby Driver*, the narrator explores how Edgar Wright masterfully combines sound, music, and visuals to establish the film’s world and introduce the protagonist, Baby. The first half focuses on how Wright uses music and sound to immerse the audience in Baby’s perspective and set up the central conflict. The second part delves into the high-paced car chase, emphasizing how the music drives the action and the unique focus on Baby’s driving and emotional journey. This opening sequence not only hooks the audience but also provides crucial insight into Baby's character and his struggle to escape the world of crime.

Takeaways

• 😀 Edgar Wright uses sound to introduce the world of *Baby Driver*, starting with a high-pitched tone that hints at Baby's tinnitus, a key aspect of his character.
• 😀 The opening scene relies on visual and auditory elements rather than dialogue or exposition to set up the story and introduce Baby.
• 😀 Baby's iPod plays a crucial role in the film, emphasizing that the music is not just a soundtrack for the audience, but an integral part of Baby's world.
• 😀 The opening shots quickly establish the setting (a city and a bank), with Baby's red Subaru becoming the central focus, signaling that a bank robbery is underway.
• 😀 A telephoto shot during the bank heist sequence keeps Baby separate from the action, highlighting his detachment from the criminal world and building sympathy for his character.
• 😀 Baby's reaction to the situation—drumming along with the music and remaining indifferent—shows his separation from the seriousness of the robbery, which contrasts with the reality he faces.
• 😀 The police car’s appearance and the gunshot serve as a wake-up call for Baby, reminding him of his involvement in the criminal world and establishing the film's central conflict: Baby's struggle to escape this life.
• 😀 The second half of the scene transitions into a high-intensity car chase, structured as a musical montage rather than a straightforward depiction of a chase, with quick cuts that sync with the music.
• 😀 Wright uses editing techniques like rapid cutting and the constant focus on Baby's driving to immerse the audience in his experience, making the chase feel like a performance rather than a simple action sequence.
• 😀 The film prioritizes emotional tone over clarity of geography, using interior shots of Baby and his passengers to emphasize Baby’s decision-making and the emotional stakes, while the police remain secondary.
• 😀 Baby's clever driving and quick reactions are central to the getaway, with the film focusing on his skill and emotional engagement with the situation rather than the external environment or clear geography.

Q & A

How does Edgar Wright introduce the world of *Baby Driver* in the opening scene?

Edgar Wright introduces the world of *Baby Driver* by first focusing on sound, before any visual elements appear. The scene begins with a high-pitched tone that fades into a musical note, establishing that Baby listens to music because of his tinnitus, which becomes a key character detail. The visuals follow with shots of a bank robbery, Baby’s car, and his iPod, creating an immediate sense of context and setting up the importance of music in the film.

What role does music play in the first part of the opening sequence?

Music plays a central role in the first part of the opening sequence by synchronizing the visual action with the soundtrack. As Baby’s crew gets out of the car and moves towards the bank, the sounds of their actions (slamming doors, footsteps, beeping vehicles) all align with the music, establishing the film’s unique use of sound to drive the narrative forward.

How does Wright establish Baby’s detachment from the criminal world during the robbery setup?

Wright establishes Baby’s detachment from the criminal world by using a telephoto shot that keeps Baby in the car, separated from the crew as they enter the bank. This visual decision helps to emphasize Baby’s internal conflict and suggests that he is not fully part of the criminal activities, aligning with his later characterization as someone who wants to escape this world.

Why is Baby’s iPod introduced so early in the scene?

Baby’s iPod is introduced early to emphasize the importance of music not just for the audience, but as a key element within the film’s world. By showing Baby’s iPod, Wright highlights how Baby listens to music to manage his tinnitus and sets up the expectation that music will be integral to the film’s narrative structure.

What thematic significance does the moment when Baby hears the gunshot have?

The gunshot acts as a reminder to both Baby and the audience of Baby’s involvement in the criminal world. While Baby seems detached and almost playful, his reverie is abruptly interrupted by the violence of the robbery, underscoring the tension between his desire to escape and the reality of his situation.

What is the structure and pace of the car chase in the second part of the opening scene?

The car chase consists of 164 shots over a span of 3 minutes and 5 seconds, resulting in an average shot length of just 1.19 seconds. The rapid editing creates a fast-paced, almost musical rhythm that mirrors the intensity of the chase, with the music driving the action forward. The chase is more about feeling and rhythm than about strict geographical clarity.

How does the editing style during the car chase enhance the viewer’s experience?

The rapid editing style, with shots often as brief as 4 frames, creates a sense of urgency and excitement. The scene functions more as a musical montage than a real-time action sequence, with the music providing a sense of rhythm and direction. This creates an immersive experience where the viewer feels the chaos and thrill of the chase alongside Baby.

How does Edgar Wright use interior shots in the car chase to emphasize Baby’s perspective?

Wright uses interior shots to focus on Baby’s reactions and decision-making, emphasizing his role as the getaway driver. The camera frequently captures Baby’s movements, his quick adjustments, and the passengers’ responses to his driving, making the chase feel personal and immersive. This internal focus highlights Baby’s skill and his emotional state during the high-pressure situation.

What does the constant emphasis on Baby’s driving say about his character?

The constant focus on Baby’s driving showcases his expertise and calm under pressure. It emphasizes that Baby’s ability to navigate the chase is not just about physical driving skills but also about his mental agility, as he constantly assesses the situation and makes decisions on the fly to escape danger.

What is the significance of the police in the car chase sequence?

The police are portrayed more as a looming threat than active pursuers. While their presence is felt through their flashing lights and occasional reflections in the car windows, they are largely secondary to Baby’s driving. This reflects the film's focus on Baby's internal struggle and expertise, rather than the external chase, highlighting that the real conflict lies within Baby’s relationship to the criminal world.