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[pantsmith]

Not surprised by some people not liking it, but I'd stress there is a difference between not liking something and it not being good. I wasn't into the "plot" of Fury Road but still appreciated the craftsmanship of its filmmaking. The amount of craft on display here is astounding, and it at least deserves credit for that.

Upon second viewing its great how many more details I caught;

Spoiler

1. I'm amazed I didn't catch the graffiti matching up with the long take of him walking to pick up coffee! Its timed perfectly and often blends right into the scene.

2. The vignettes Baby catches on televison with his foster dad mirror the story beats of the movie, and he quotes three of them back ("You are so beautiful" to Deborah, "They grow up so fast" with Sam at the Post Office, and "You and I are a team, nothing is more important than our friendship" to Doc) These reinforce how Baby has a knack for listening to things and repeating them back.

3. While the "bull sees red" is an obvious parallel to Darling's line about Buddy, it was cool how his face was illuminated red during the final sequence (from the car light) and how he co-opted the Barry White song in the diner as a double entendre "I'm never gonna give you up, never gonna quit."

Also, with the matador/bull imagery, I noticed there was a red flag on the end of the pipes that Baby stabs Bats through the chest with (mirroring a matador)

4. "Easy" is used earlier in the film to seemingly imply Baby is making an easy, clean break from his life of crime after trashing the car, but we learn later that hes actually playing the song because hes sad and his mother's song brings him comfort.

When he gets out of the car the lyrics basically explain his motivation for handing himself in and are strangely appropriate:

Spoiler

"I know it sounds funny but I just can't stand the pain / Girl I'm leaving you tomorrow / Seems to me girl, you know I've done all I can / You see I begged, stole and I borrowed" [...] "Why in the world would anybody put chains on me? / I've paid my dues to make it / Everybody wants me to be what they want me to be / I'm not happy when I try to fake it, no" [...] "I wanna be free to know the things I do are right"

 

[wesleyshark]

Going to see this Saturday. Awyis

 

[lightus]

I went into this movie completely blind and loved it. Definitely one of my favorite movies of the year.

It's not like Hot Fuzz etc at all in my opinion, so I wouldn't go in expecting non-stop great dialog. Viewing it as it's own thing rather than comparing it to his other movies the whole time will probably allow you to enjoy it more.

The movie itself seems to be what Edgar wanted to do with Mint Royale's Blue Song but expanded to a full movie. He even gives it a nod when Baby is channel surfing.

 

[Mr. Sam]

The movie itself seems to be what Edgar wanted to do with Mint Royale's Blue Song but expanded to a full movie. He even gives it a nod when Baby is channel surfing.

Yep, there's [devastatingly minor spoilers]

Spoiler

a shot of Noel Fielding from that video on the TV

.

 

[NealMcCauley]

Not surprised by some people not liking it, but I'd stress there is a difference between not liking something and it not being good. I wasn't into the "plot" of Fury Road but still appreciated the craftsmanship of its filmmaking. The amount of craft on display here is astounding, and it at least deserves credit for that.

Upon second viewing its great how many more details I caught;

Spoiler

1. I'm amazed I didn't catch the graffiti matching up with the long take of him walking to pick up coffee! Its timed perfectly and often blends right into the scene.

Spoiler

Some of the "Yeah" lyrics were carved into the trees too.

 

[PBY]

Not surprised by some people not liking it, but I'd stress there is a difference between not liking something and it not being good. I wasn't into the "plot" of Fury Road but still appreciated the craftsmanship of its filmmaking. The amount of craft on display here is astounding, and it at least deserves credit for that.

Upon second viewing its great how many more details I caught;

Spoiler

1. I'm amazed I didn't catch the graffiti matching up with the long take of him walking to pick up coffee! Its timed perfectly and often blends right into the scene.

2. The vignettes Baby catches on televison with his foster dad mirror the story beats of the movie, and he quotes three of them back ("You are so beautiful" to Deborah, "They grow up so fast" with Sam at the Post Office, and "You and I are a team, nothing is more important than our friendship" to Doc) These reinforce how Baby has a knack for listening to things and repeating them back.

3. While the "bull sees red" is an obvious parallel to Darling's line about Buddy, it was cool how his face was illuminated red during the final sequence (from the car light) and how he co-opted the Barry White song in the diner as a double entendre "I'm never gonna give you up, never gonna quit."

Also, with the matador/bull imagery, I noticed there was a red flag on the end of the pipes that Baby stabs Bats through the chest with (mirroring a matador)

4. "Easy" is used earlier in the film to seemingly imply Baby is making an easy, clean break from his life of crime after trashing the car, but we learn later that hes actually playing the song because hes sad and his mother's song brings him comfort.

When he gets out of the car the lyrics basically explain his motivation for handing himself in and are strangely appropriate:

Something can be a technical marvel and display tremendous craftsmanship and still not be good. Art is subjective.

 

[pantsmith]

Something can be a technical marvel and display tremendous craftsmanship and still not be good. Art is subjective.

Taste is subjective, but quality isn't nearly the same thing. To be clear: I'm not trying to change anyones mind. Its cool that people have their own opinions and takes on art, and I appreciate hearing thoughts and opinions contrary to my own.

I just think its unfair to call anything so meticulously put together "bad."

 

[gappvembe]

How could it not have Baby Driver by KISS on the soundtrack or in the song (though there is a different Baby Driver by Simon and Garfunkel, still...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6uaJ5uQM4c

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

It's weird seeing all this focus on who did what who trusted who and why. I really didn't care about that stuff at all.

It was a miraculous portrayal of what it's like to need literally constant music to function. I finally felt represented by Hollywood.

Like the music is so essential to storytelling that Wright plays "Kashmere" when things are cool and then "Holy Calamity", THE SONG THAT SAMPLES IT, when things are out of Baby's control.

Like, why aren't we talking about that? Who cares if Bats did whatever. That's as important as the matchbox cars on Doc's table. This movie is about leveraging creativity to literally survive.

 

[Tookay]

It's weird seeing all this focus on who did what who trusted who and why. I really didn't care about that stuff at all.

It was a miraculous portrayal of what it's like to need literally constant music to function. I finally felt represented by Hollywood.

Like the music is so essential to storytelling that Wright plays "Kashmere" when things are cool and then "Holy Calamity", THE SONG THAT SAMPLES IT, when things are out of Baby's control.

Like, why aren't we talking about that? Who cares if Bats did whatever. That's as important as the matchbox cars on Doc's table. This movie is about leveraging creativity to literally survive.

Because, for all its technical mastery, the movie still invests a great deal of time in the second half to its plot and said plot (including the character motivations contained therein) doesn't stand up to scrutiny.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Because, for all its technical mastery, the movie still invests a great deal of time in the second half to its plot and said plot (including the character motivations contained therein) doesn't stand up to scrutiny.

Isn't all that stuff there so we can get "Run The Jewels" and a Boards of Canada song? Maybe I misinterpreted it.

 

[midramble]

don't think I've feeling all the holes in the plot people are seeing.

Haven't read all of them but here's my (probably wrong take)

Bats

Spoiler

For those saying Bats has no talent, he literally goes on a tour de force in the diner easily picking out what's actually going on with the people he is working with. In every situation he is presented with he knows what is going on behind the scenes. Of everyone, he seems the most experienced. He takes out half of a team of crooked cops moving around like some jedi magician.

Spoiler

No on rats on Bats because everyone wants the heist to continue. Buddy and Darling so Buddy can kill Bats for the earlier transgression with Darling, and Baby because he doesn't want anyone to thing he wants out so he can sneak away (which fails horribly)

Doc

Spoiler

This is probably a stretch, but I think the love thing really really is a turning point for doc. One thing I noticed is the kid that goes into the post office with Baby, Doc calls his nephew, but after the kids shows his sharp wit, he calls him a chip off the old block (which I think is a slip up). This makes me think that the kid is actually Doc's son but, like he always does, never refers to anyone by the real name or relationship.
This being the case I felt this was a bit of a signal that Doc has or had a wife, and when he says I've been in love, I took it as an indicator that the case is had a wife, hence the sudden turn. Literally every moment up until then he is only using Baby. Even the protecting him in the meetings is just protecting an asset.

Don't know how much to spoiler here... do we have a spoiler thread yet?

I've got say though, my favorite relationship in the movie has to be between Buddy and Baby.

Spoiler

Such a perfect parallel with his actual father with doing the fatherly bonding thing with music and driving, the similar initial deep love and admiration for his wife, the sudden transition to violence that again threatens to take away the woman that is his greatest love in life.

I really love all the characters. Even Bats.

Spoiler

Though Doc is the mysterious master mind, Bats is the guy that knows the behind the scenes of everything going on and acts as the outside chronicler of the tale while continuously taking center stage.

 

[Theecliff]

Fury Road is quickly edited, but in such a way that we can always tell what is happening, and who is where and why. It's pretty meticulous in that regard. Watch the bike chase closely and you can see how they keep everything oriented, show how many bikers are where, what happens to them, how the characters in the rig are reacting to their movements. The composition is layered to show primary action up front and show the other bikers' positions (or Immortan Joe coming up behind) so elements don't appear out of nowhere in the subsequent shots - we are constantly kept oriented.

Contrast that with the opening chase, where rapid edits skip over locations, transitions, moments in the chase. It was trying to be a narrative but it was edited like a montage. Cop cars following them come and go out of nowhere. The camera is constantly shifting around so we can't orient to where they are going or what happens to who is following them. At one point they seem to lose the car following them, then Baby looks up and there are five in a perfect V formation right behind them taking up the entire street. Where the hell did they come from? Things like that happen throughout the entire chase.

The chase scenes were the lowlights of the film for this reason. I liked Baby Driver in spite of the driving scenes, not because of them.

fair enough - i brought up fury road as i think it's a good example of a film that uses quick cuts, and wrongly assumed the criticism was coming from the idea that quickly cutting is inherently bad. admittedly the one car chase i can remember vividly is the one in which the vigilante chases them so i should try to rewatch the film - you're probably right in your breakdown of the chase scenes. honestly i never thought it was distractingly bad compared to certain action films i've seen, but maybe that's because a lot of action-y films can be really poorly done. the action was more readable than hot fuzz for example, but then again that was a spoof of Hollywood action films.

however, i still stand by the idea that quickly cutting to match the tempo of a song (e.g the 'deal' and the buddy/darling vs cop shootout scenes) is an appropriate and deliberate use of quick cuts as things get increasingly hectic (even if things get harder to read). and much like the rest of wright's films, scene transitions are handled beautifully and are fantastic examples of how to creatively cut together a film. again, i think i'll need to rewatch the film and pay more attention to the chase scenes, but even if they are a bit wonky i still don't think the editing as a whole is anywhere near 'terrible' - there has still been a lot of care put into how this film is edited.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

lol sorry for being a knob
I just really loved this

 

[Warm Machine]

More irritated by the movie the more I think about it.

Spoiler

Bats was useless. Fucking up the gun deal, stealing gum from the gas station which could have screwed them over, and threatening to knock off a diner and kill Deborah to what end if he went through with it? The most unreasonable and idiotic character in a film I've seen in a long while. The only good part was baby killed him. He was literally on auto pilot as the crazy character

 

[Cuburt]

Fury Road is quickly edited, but in such a way that we can always tell what is happening, and who is where and why. It's pretty meticulous in that regard. Watch the bike chase closely and you can see how they keep everything oriented, show how many bikers are where, what happens to them, how the characters in the rig are reacting to their movements. The composition is layered to show primary action up front and show the other bikers' positions (or Immortan Joe coming up behind) so elements don't appear out of nowhere in the subsequent shots - we are constantly kept oriented.

Contrast that with the opening chase, where rapid edits skip over locations, transitions, moments in the chase. It was trying to be a narrative but it was edited like a montage. Cop cars following them come and go out of nowhere. The camera is constantly shifting around so we can't orient to where they are going or what happens to who is following them. At one point they seem to lose the car following them, then Baby looks up and there are five in a perfect V formation right behind them taking up the entire street. Where the hell did they come from? Things like that happen throughout the entire chase.

The chase scenes were the lowlights of the film for this reason. I liked Baby Driver in spite of the driving scenes, not because of them.

You nailed some of my biggest disappointments with the action and even why I'm scratching my head at the gushing praise of the editing. The cutting to the music is there but there are many scenes that, besides getting lost in close framing and shaky cam, what makes the action hard to follow is that there are gaps in the narrative of the visuals or poor spatial awareness of where various characters or cars are in an area, where they are going, where they came from, etc.

I've generally never had issues like this with Edgar Wright films, but it felt amateurish at times in ways I just couldn't ignore. Maybe the music gimmick and "easter eggs" sort of sprinkled throughout the film is enough for people to ignore all that and love the care placed in certain aspects over others, but for me, while I don't doubt the film is a labor of love and Wright trying to put as much as he can in the film with a limited budget for this type of film, but a limited budget don't explain some of the film's technical shortcomings.

It wasn't all the scenes, but for a action film about cars and an Edgar Wright film, I was pretty disappointed.

 

[Machine Messiah]

Baby Driver was EXCELLENT. Best movie I've seen in years, probably since Mad Max. It's kitschy but I think that's the point. I'm sure there's some unrealistic things about the car chases, gunfights, etc. but the movie was incredibly entertaining and charming.

 

[broncobuster]

Just saw this again for the second time. It's still so good and I was able to catch more of the little stuff this time. There's a lot that works so well and I agree there has gotta be an editing nomination for this.



My running theory on Griff

Spoiler

Buddy kills him for looking at Darling weird in the elevator. I mean his departing line is a signifier of his fate and added with the loving couples conversation about killing people that look at Darling weird, it just clicked for me, but hey I'm just one guy.

That...makes a lot of sense.

I need to see this again.

 

[Geno Breaker]

I've heard this a really good date movie, is it any true?

 

[hydruxo]

I've heard this a really good date movie, is it any true?

Definitely. The romance between Baby and Deborah is a big part of the movie, and then it's just fun in general with all the music and action.

A few other posters also dont like it. Of course, I'm posting my opinion. My friend who I saw it with also didn't like it much

You're missing my point though. I don't doubt there are people who don't like it. I have no problem with that. Saying something like "don't fall for the hype" just because you don't like it is silly. There's hype because there are tons of people who did enjoy it a lot.

 

[Puck Beaverton]

I've heard this a really good date movie, is it any true?

absolutely

 

[Lamiafusion]

The movie itself seems to be what Edgar wanted to do with Mint Royale's Blue Song but expanded to a full movie. He even gives it a nod when Baby is channel surfing.

More than just a nod...I mean the first scene of the film is straight up lifted. Still amazing but yeah.

 

[bob_arctor]

Just got out. Incredible. So much fun, a lot of heart, some darkness, amazing music. Exhilarating movie making.

 

[Strax]

The movie is a 10 on every level, except for story and romance, despite running out of gas for the last 5 mins or so. A more developed romance would have made a really good film great.

 

[BMO = GOAT]

Just got done watching it. I gotta agree with everyone regarding the romance plot. Could have been a lot better. The action, especially the driving was pretty great.

 

[Doctor Decimate]

The editing only really bugged me in the opening chase; dunno if Wright altered his approach after that or I just got used to it. I think it was supposed to be more of a montage just from how cop cars seemed to materialize but it ended up at some odd middle ground where it was tough to get an accurate sense of location.

 

[Google]

Big fan of Wright and off to see this movie at 4.45 today in Vancouver.

I like Mad Max a lot so if it's not exactly the same as that movie I'll be upset with you all.

 

[Number_6]

I enjoyed it, but I agree with those who felt let down by the final act.

Spoiler

The foot chase was intense, but I was waiting anxiously for Baby to get a car, and then he did, and...nothing. Then it happened again and again and again. We never got another sweet car chase.

To those wondering why Baby said

Spoiler

the job's still on, I think he was scared of Bats. Bats literally said he'd see Baby safely home, didn't he? I wouldn't trust him.

Also regarding Bats, I find it hilarious that

Spoiler

he's the one that mistrusts/suspects/dislikes/is put off by Baby while the others defend him. Then, Bats is the first to die, and the others soon follow. He was right!

 

[rec0ded1]

Enjoyed it.

Spoiler

Dancing

was lame and when baby's

Spoiler

real name was revealed I thought of Miles "tails" Prower

It was entertaining but it felt like a millennial's version of Drive at times.

 

[BrokenBox]

Just got out of the theater after seeing this with a friend. This movie was the most fun I've had at the cinema in a good while. Can't wait for Wright's next film, whatever it is.

 

[Sean C]

I thought it was excellent; probably my favourite film of the year so far. In particular, as a big Mad Men fan, this is Jon Hamm's best film performance to date (he's been mostly underserved by films thus far).

Lily James brings a lot of charm, which really helps the movie along because her part is pretty stock and at times skates past what feel like they should be more significant moments

Spoiler

like her having virtually no reaction to finding out that Baby is a criminal and being asked to go on the run with him.

 

[brianjones]

I found this really.. awkward

the script was pretty bad tbh

"I dont squeal to the cops I squeal on the road" has to be one of the worst lines in recent memory

the romance was downright painful to watch.. secondhand embarrassment for days

I guess I prefer the moody pretentiousness of drive to these loony toon antics

the music was hyped up a lot and it was cute at times but I don't think its very memorable

I've liked all his movies up to this point so I'm surprised by how much I disliked this.. very little worked for me

 

[demosthenes]

Just saw this again for the second time. It's still so good and I was able to catch more of the little stuff this time. There's a lot that works so well and I agree there has gotta be an editing nomination for this.



My running theory on Griff

Spoiler

Buddy kills him for looking at Darling weird in the elevator. I mean his departing line is a signifier of his fate and added with the loving couples conversation about killing people that look at Darling weird, it just clicked for me, but hey I'm just one guy.

I think this too.

 

[TheTylerRob]

It was entertaining but it felt like a millennial's version of Drive at times.

Drive is the millenial's version of Drive, this movie is the remix.

 

[border]

Spoiler

What happened to JD (the Asian guy with the "Hat" tattoo)? Are we to assume that Bats killed him because he left his shotgun behind in one of the getaway cars during the second heist? And that Doc didn't really care?

 

[bob_arctor]

Spoiler

What happened to JD (the Asian guy with the "Hat" tattoo)? Are we to assume that Bats killed him because he left his shotgun behind in one of the getaway cars during the second heist? And that Doc didn't really care?

Spoiler

Yup. Dude was killed and stuffed in the trunk and Baby had to dispose of car and body.

I'm so ready to see this again. Dolby Atmos is the truth, btw. Sound was incredible.

 

[Iceman]

Spoiler

What happened to JD (the Asian guy with the "Hat" tattoo)? Are we to assume that Bats killed him because he left his shotgun behind in one of the getaway cars during the second heist? And that Doc didn't really care?

Spoiler

you don't remember when Doc gave Baby the job of driving a car with JD's dead body inside - shot in the head, presumably by Bats, with Doc's okay - to the car crusher's??

 

[border]

Spoiler

you don't remember when Doc gave Baby the job of driving a car with JD's dead body inside - shot in the head, presumably by Bats, with Doc's okay - to the car crusher's??

Spoiler

Yup. Dude was killed and stuffed in the trunk and Baby had to dispose of car and body.

Of course I remember that stuff, but.....

Spoiler

We're still left to guess at how and why JD was killed. At the moment they opened the trunk I assumed that Doc had him executed, but in retrospect it seems more likely that Bats went off the handle and iced him. Since Doc is in the business of procuring clean and untraceable firearms for heists, I doubt he really would have cared that a gun was left behind.

 

[Skeeter49]

Of course I remember that stuff, but.....

Spoiler

We're still left to guess at how and why JD was killed. At the moment they opened the trunk I assumed that Doc had him executed, but in retrospect it seems more likely that Bats went off the handle and iced him. Since Doc is in the business of procuring clean and untraceable firearms for heists, I doubt he really would have cared that a gun was left behind.

Spoiler

He messed up with more than just the gun though. The masks weren't right,
and the whole time he didn't seem to take the heist as seriously as everyone else.
First it's a gun being left behind, what's next? He's a liability.

Also, why does Baby never have a mask?

 

[DeviantBoi]

Any idea when this opens in Latin America?

 

[Fletcher]

Spoiler

I'm pretty sure it was Doc's doing with the killing of JD. The car was on his level and he knew exactly what it was and what needed to be done. I'm assuming he was killed for leaving his shotgun, which they were told to pick up their own supplies, and cutting off any ties to Doc and the gang once it's picked up by police.

 

[MutFox]

Bought tickets for a show tomorrow!
Been looking forward to this film.

 

[kswiston]

Why are we comparing Baby Driver to Mad Max?


I really liked the movie. It wasn't perfect, and it's not a plot film, but a solid 4/5. It would have been a 4.5/5 for me, but I wasn't as taken by the end sequence.

 

[border]

Spoiler

He messed up with more than just the gun though. The masks weren't right,
and the whole time he didn't seem to take the heist as seriously as everyone else.
First it's a gun being left behind, what's next? He's a liability.

Spoiler

The masks are kind of irrelevant. So long as everyone wears a mask, the group is good. It doesn't make a lot of sense for anyone to kill JD over the masks or the shotgun that got left behind.

Though it's worth noting that Doc tells everyone to pick up their own mask individually....and for whatever reason JD has to buy masks for the entire group.

 

[Foggy]

Surprised at how disappointed I was with the action. His style can really punch up non-kinetic moments but it actively distracts from naturally kinetic action like the car chases and the shootouts. This isn't the worst kind of quick cut action out there but it does feel like a lot was left on the floor. It also doesn't help that the gimmick of the movie mirrors the trailer cutting style that has gotten to the point of over-saturation. Movie also fails pretty badly when it tries to be cool.

I didn't hate it though. The performances and characters were fun, a lot of the comedy worked, and some action beats were definitely inspired. It's just too self-indulgent for its own good.

 

[Dartastic]

Just got out. I think this movie is a Goddamn masterpiece. No joke. The film was almost a soundtrack to the music if that makes sense. Goddamn.

 

[hermit7]

Just finished. I am going to need to rewatch it maybe, and think it over a bit.

The action was great, set pieces were really good, character motivations seemed good. The movie I think is harder to digest than some of his other movies. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but it is more dense I think.

Edgar Wright is probably my favorite director and I love all his stuff, but it usually takes a few watches to notice everything and this I am certain is quite similar.

 

[Dartastic]

Not surprised by some people not liking it, but I'd stress there is a difference between not liking something and it not being good. I wasn't into the "plot" of Fury Road but still appreciated the craftsmanship of its filmmaking. The amount of craft on display here is astounding, and it at least deserves credit for that.

Upon second viewing its great how many more details I caught;

Spoiler

1. I'm amazed I didn't catch the graffiti matching up with the long take of him walking to pick up coffee! Its timed perfectly and often blends right into the scene.

2. The vignettes Baby catches on televison with his foster dad mirror the story beats of the movie, and he quotes three of them back ("You are so beautiful" to Deborah, "They grow up so fast" with Sam at the Post Office, and "You and I are a team, nothing is more important than our friendship" to Doc) These reinforce how Baby has a knack for listening to things and repeating them back.

3. While the "bull sees red" is an obvious parallel to Darling's line about Buddy, it was cool how his face was illuminated red during the final sequence (from the car light) and how he co-opted the Barry White song in the diner as a double entendre "I'm never gonna give you up, never gonna quit."

Also, with the matador/bull imagery, I noticed there was a red flag on the end of the pipes that Baby stabs Bats through the chest with (mirroring a matador)

4. "Easy" is used earlier in the film to seemingly imply Baby is making an easy, clean break from his life of crime after trashing the car, but we learn later that hes actually playing the song because hes sad and his mother's song brings him comfort.

When he gets out of the car the lyrics basically explain his motivation for handing himself in and are strangely appropriate:

I caught 1. But goddamn. I need to see this again.

 

[Jzero]

It was pretty good but I expected too much from the hype for the movie. 8/10

 

[Zackat]

I caught a few of those references. It was a fun movie, and will probably be better enjoyed on repeat viewings. I am probably gonna get this on blu-ray.

8/10 movie I would say