For Edgar Wright, director of critically acclaimed Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007), the idea of Baby Driver came about 22 years ago after he listened to “Bellbottoms” by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and visualised a car chase.
The idea then developed over the years into an irresistibly groovy film with jam-packed action and an incredibly talented cast of Kevin Spacey, Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Jon Bernthal, Eiza Gonzalez and Sky Ferreira.
You might notice some resemblance to the music video of “Blue Song” by Mint Royale, a music video he directed featuring Noel Fielding, Michael Smiley, Julian Barratt and long time collaborator Nick Frost.
The 43-year-old film maker has revealed that at the time he was almost mad at himself for squandering the idea on a music video. But I’m glad he kept at it and wrote a truly original script. The movie is greatly inspired by the songs featured in its soundtrack, even the title, Baby Driver, derived from Simon and Garfunkel’s 1970 album, Bridge over Troubled Water.
What song would you pick for a car chase?
Mine will almost definitely be Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now”.
Now showing at Golden Village and Shaw. By Sony Pictures.