Baby Driver is a heist type film written and directed by Edgar Wright - the mind behind Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (screenplay and directing credits), Ant-Man (screenplay credits), and Shaun of the Dead (directing credits). Wright takes us into the world of heists through the eyes of a getaway driver, Baby (Ansel Elgort), who got into the heist business because he stole a car from the man behind the heists, Doc (Kevin Spacey). But Baby wants to get out of that lifestyle as soon as he and Doc are settled for the car that got him into this mess, and it is unclear whether or not that will be possible.
The musicality and choreography of the film is unlike any movie I've seen. This isn't a musical, but the script and visuals flow with the soundtrack it gives the appearance that it could be one. Every heist, Baby has essentially choreographed the job and hits the impact points of the chosen heist song. During one of the ones we get to witness, Wright has Baby point out this aspect of the piece by running into need to restart the song.
This story is well written. It's engaging and well paced. And there are so many music conversations, which emphasizes the importance of music to piece. I wonder how much of what is visually displayed was written in the script, because the visual storytelling is amazing and it helps solidify that we are experiencing things from Baby's perspective.
One of the best aspects of the visual storytelling was how the storyline of Baby and Debora (Lily James) is told. As the character of Baby is not a chatty one, the relationship of Baby and Debora is visually explained and well supported by the musical accompaniment. It also helps that Ansel and Lily have excellent on screen chemistry. Another well executed visual storytelling piece is through the relationship between Baby and his foster dad, Joseph (CJ Jones). Even though we don't get to see a whole lot of these character's intertwined storyline, what we do get to see is enough and well crafted. It also enhances Baby's character in a way where it is truly obvious that he has a good heart, which is important to the story.
As a Georgia native, the fact that the film was not only shot in Atlanta - therefore the scenery is recognizable - but there are references to the city in the dialogue, thus enhancing my personal connection to the story.
The ending is beautifully satisfying. There are so many ways that Wright could have crafted the ending, but the way it's done is such a great way to wrap up the adventure that we are taken on.
I believe this is an experience that should be experienced in a theater. Having the surround sound helps submerge you into what Baby hears, which helps drive the story. I definitely recommend this film and the experience it provides.
