Comedy is notoriously the hardest genre for directors to master. It has long since been made clear that Edgar Wright has found the magic ingredient for comedic success while incorporating is own unique directorial style. My first experience with Wright’s hyper-kinetic film-making style was in 2007 with his British comedy ‘Hot Fuzz’, and I haven’t been able to stop quoting it since. Not a week goes by without me saying “A great big bushy beard” or “nobody tells me nothing”, they just fit in so naturally with everyday conversation.
Wright uses his films to pay homage through pastiche of famous genres, including horror, comedy and science fiction. His most famous body of work before the release of ‘Baby Driver’ in 2017, was the now infamous Cornetto Trilogy.
The trilogy began in in 2004, his homage to the horror genre through ’Shaun of the Dead’. While it is hard to pick a favourite scene in the movie, ‘The Plan’ scene is a perfect example of Wright’s ability to blend swiping transitions, quick action shots of Bill Nigh being batter by a bat and spade and an extreme close-up of a mug into a masterfully comical and informative montage that never fails to impress.
Hot Fuzz is littered with Wright’s master over the call-back montage, the coined ‘greater good scene’ displays his intricate method of storytelling.
Wright’s technical approach to films are unique to himself. He chooses to keep his camera active, using constant movement within his shots and when a stationary shot is deemed necessary, he tends to employ a slight push-in shot to give some action, or using the editing process to create fast cuts to disguise them. This can be seen in the opening scene of ‘Baby Driver’ with the steering wheel entering the frame. Wright also tends to employ j-cuts (jump-cuts) alongside his rapid montage technique in order to compliment the active pace he likes to maintain within his films. Once again, this active pace and mastery of visual story telling can be witnessed in the opening scene of ‘Hot Fuzz’.
What makes so well paced and draws you in to feel a part of the action in though the sound of the movie, Wright’s weaves the soundtrack of the movie into the film’s DNA. This is most evident in his newest movie release ‘Baby Driver’ in 2017. In just 6 minutes Wright was able to combine every technique that has become his trademark; jump cuts, hyperactive camera movements, and whip pans inside of an action sequences the utilises his impressive sound mixing skills and an amazing soundtrack choice while still maintaining suave comedic style.
So, what are your opinions on Edgar’s approach to film-making and comedy? What was your favourite film of his ‘Shaun of the Dead’, ‘Scot Pilgrim Vs The World’ or another? Do you think his has gotten it ‘Wright’ or wrong?
Here is a clue to the next blog, can anyone guess what is will be?
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