Why Buddy Is The Perfect Antagonist - Baby Driver

A video essay about storytelling through detail, and how they build an antagonist you wouldn't expect from Edgar Wright's BABY DRIVER.
Voiced, written and edited by Harry Mitchell.
Mikey Neumann's The World's End video: • The World's End (2013)...
Follow me! / harryislate
Check out my website! www.harrymitchell.co.uk/
Music:
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers
Kashmere - Kashmere Stage Band
Brighton Rock - Queen
Baby Driver - Simon & Garfunkel
I own no footage shown, all rights go to the studios and creators of Baby Driver, Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and Black Panther. I am using this to critique and discuss the films, permitted under copyright law.
Why Buddy Is The Perfect Antagonist - Baby Driver
#BabyDriver #VideoEssay #EdgarWright

[@harryislate]

Thank you for the continuous love on this video everyone. I wish I had more time for videos like this, and I do have some drafted! What sort of movies/directors would you want covered next? ❤️

[@quackman7027]

Weird to see you only have two videos, the production quality is very good. Id love to see some video essay of wes anderson from you :) especially the animated movies

[@py2724]

Witty & Entertaining Keep Expanding

[@evaserration6223]

Another great connection between Buddy and Baby is that they both share a passion for music albeit at different degrees, So Buddy understanding Baby enough to know that 'taking away something he loves' doesn't mean Deborah, but his hearing was a shocking but brilliantly fitting twist that was more shocking than many sudden deaths in movies.

[@followerofjesus6640]

Yes, I agree with you on that. The twist at the end where Baby's ears gets shot, stuck with me after the movie. It was heartbreaking.

[@fullmetaljakey]

I mean he was still planning to kill Debora too

[@slyceth]

1:57

[@jessicalandrey8421]

I actually cried when that happened. I relate so so much to Baby using music as a constant escape/love/coping mechanism. I saw myself in it, so when it was suddenly taken away in such a personal way by Buddy, who understood how much it meant, it hit me so hard.

[@richieangel8150]

I love that lines about Buddy being the version of Baby that he needs to defeat, and stopping Debora from driving into the life of Buddy and Darling.

[@snoovian7951]

agreed, they worked really well

[@neoshenlong]

Don't forget Buddy's backstory. We know he was a driver at some point because of his conversation with Baby and Bats, but when the latter tries to take a guess at Buddy's past, its suggested that he is an ex successful dude who has been on the run with the love of his life for god knows how much, and this got him trapped in the very same world that Baby is trying to escape. When Baby decides to stay instead of going on the run forever (as Kevin Spacey's character tells them they'd need to do), he is taking the exact opposite of Buddy's decision. He is also not dragging Debora into a world that would more than likely end up killing them both.

[@Wizard_Of_Self]

Excellent point! Baby choosing to turn himself in instead of run like Buddy so he doesn’t drag Deborah into that word as well, and end up like Buddy and Darling is such a great thing to point out.

[@DESTRAKON]

Ngl that last part kinda hit me

[@darriusskyler8493]

Funny, dunno if it was intentional and something I just noticed. Foxx's character is dressed in red, but acts the most antagonistic, leading the viewer on initial viewing to think he is main antagonist. But he's dressed in red and twist is he's not the villain; he's in red a literal red herring

[@lukestrevell6499]

This is minor but when he drew parallels from baby and buddy, it's Baby and Debora, Buddy and Darling. Knowing edgar wright i dont think its an accident

[@isaywhateveriwantandyougot7421]

People have given up on the idea of a character turning evil because of twist villains. This proves that it can still be done correctly without a twist

[@tylerbinggeli5921]

Buddy falls off the parking garage to his death after he was about to kill the waitress while Brighton Rock was playing... In an old film called Brighton Rock (1947) the main character Pinkie dies by falling off a bridge after trying to kill the waitress- and he was killed by one of his gang members :0 Edgar Wright is a mastermind

[@Jigsaw0g]

wait.. people acutally have said they didnt like buddy as the final villain?? that was the most perfect setup/twist in a fucking movie in years!!! Wright has confirmed the script for Baby Driver 2 and im hyped

[@TheMento98]

Part of me is definitely hyped for Baby Driver 2 whenever we may eventually see it but another part of me is nervous because the ending to the first is already so good. There's no loose ends that would even warrant the need for a sequel other than needing to know what happens with the rest of Baby and Deborah's life, personally I'm more than content believing they hit the road and headed west, and are still out there driving to their hearts content listening to their favorite songs together.

[@slyceth]

Where is it

[@madtonesbr]

Except Ansel is a rapist

[@theconmantube3449]

How is there gonna be a second baby driver with the allegations against elgort?

[@sincitymafia7809]

They said the guy that plays the punisher (can remember the name of the actor) would be the villain

[@yasininn76]

Should we mention that baby's dodge challenger is RED like the veils used by the matadores in a bullfight while buddy's dodge charger is black with a white roof, which would be easily be seen as a black bull with white horns?

[@zedaddy3530]

When Buddy sees red, you see nothing but black

[@WraythOsu]

While Harry didn't spell that out in his dialog, I got that from his context.

[@justisolated5621]

And Baby's dashboard was white, while Buddy's dashboard was red

[@wilsonv7117]

I really like that part where he is granted some leniency for turning himself in while also being rewarded for his compassionate empathetic heart

[@godofevil9468]

I absolutely love how the villains are in this film: Bats seemed like the most skillful and most terrifying and unhinged of them all and yet is the one who Baby killed with ease. Doc seemed like the cold calculating kingpin and the main antagonist of the film having everyone on the leash and turns out is the one who actually cared for Baby and turned into the reluctant hero at the end. And as you so eloquently said Buddy seemed to be the nicest and most understanding of them all and turns out to be the one who Baby has to fight at the end.

[@Deathmare235]

Ngl Bats seemed the most comical well until he was on the actual team which surprised me also Doc caring for Baby seems kinda a 180 since he was the one who forced him to stay in the first place

[@CrocaHead]

Nothing is a long shot when you're doing a video essay on an Edgar Wright film. Great work, keep making more :)

[@solvemproblerstudios5889]

Buddy being the villain really did fit well- the silly nickname, friendly personality, and pretty girlfriend partner made it obvious to me that he’s the future of Baby if he stayed on the dark path of crime.

[@ic9778]

The opening scene and the initial credits from the movie are pure gold.

[@thegaspoweredjohnnyjohn3972]

Nah man, those "long shots" aren't long shots, they're poetic and intended, you're right on the money my dude

[@thaimoney78]

I believe the first one might be s stretch but the last 2 should be taken into consideration considering his 2nd long shot was so on point there was not 1 flaw. The 3rd shot is so poetic that I can tell Baby is so into himself but also caring that he doesn't want to hurt anyone but still find a way to live if that makes sense

[@bmcrossland]

I like the long shots Harry, keep it up!

[@peterwantspie]

This, and also when Darling dies Buddy's internal soundtrack seems to briefly overtake Baby's in the soundtrack.

[@GranValor97]

This was a GREAT video essay!! And I like watching many of those, can’t believe it was your first one!! When you explained why Baby hit the break in the ending I had a “AHA! moment” the parallels made more sense. From Lima, Perú 🇵🇪

[@kuyperianberean]

This channel needs more views

[@zarifhossain8796]

Buddy deserves an origin backstory series

[@quietriot3160]

Buddy always reminded me of Baby's father, and im not sure why.

[@rowdy6274]

Nice analysis, weirdly somehow one of my favourite movie characters

[@solartea_]

I went down to subscribe expecting at least 500k subscribers and when i saw only 2 hundred my jaw dropped! Criminally underrated channel

[@lolhi9167]

Watched this vid and only realized after that you don’t have thousands of subscribers. Good shit

[@kalebdoom7944]

i liked buddy and was hoping he would be an ally (kinda) to baby from doc (ironically it was switched)

[@StuntmanDanHemi]

Buddy is my favorite character in the movie, not only that, but Buddy is one of my favorite character archs ever. He has everything, the looks, the hair, the style, the girl, but he is cool enough to be the only one who defends Baby with the bullies, yet he completely turned on Baby by the end of the movie and turning into the final boss, something I never saw coming

[@RadiantSolarWeasel]

Holy shit, I only just noticed that the shot of the road with the cops at 7:41 is what the lines on the building in the title screen are referencing! I knew it was a representation of a road, but I hadn't clicked that it was a specific road from the film! Also this video is a great analysis of the dynamic between Baby and Buddy; I love the idea that Buddy is a reflection of what Baby would have become if he stayed in his world of crime & cars.

[@jaydenstodgell]

Wow dude this is such a great video essay! Especially for your first one, plz make more bro!

[@harryislate]

Thanks man! I hope to do so soon

[@PG-wz7by]

I hope you make more essays. THis was really good. I appreciate your longshots.

[@fallcones1]

Great videssay Harry, loved that last longshot, keep it up!

[@philbassett5747]

Good job Harry. I'm surprised that was your first. Very professional and slick . I love this film and you have added so much more to it that I must see it again...soon. Well done, keep it up. You're a natural.

[@fantasybricks4160]

Such a great video man. Loved it!

[@bluebikegarage]

Great video, having that on my youtube frontpage gave me the last knock to finally watch this incredible movie. Btw i only just realised this but at 7:56 theres a rainbow in the background which "prooves" the quote the lady at the bank counter states along the lines of it has to rain for a raibow to form. the rainbow obviously being babys current situation and the rain his last interactions w buddy, his imprisionment and of course missing/being without debora.

[@lifemistake8314]

I'm really impressed by this video, since its your first video essay. Very cool 👍.

[@chadbader7331]

thank you bro, helping me write my essay. bless up

[@facundogonzalez6661]

Loved the video a lot man! Subscribed 😁👍

[@islaroberts3391]

Great video Harry!

[@aoyamaangel]

You are so underrated man What an awesome video!!!!!

[@handonthegat2989]

Dude, Well done. You will do well in this my friend. Awesome first effort. I really mean that.

[@ykurashi]

You did good Harry, great first effort!

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

This is your first video essay? You killed it! Instantly subscribed.

[@voidi5435]

Honestly I think all of the "long shots" are great observations, especially the mirrored shoulder shot

[@sinceever5086]

Wow, great detail

[@WraythOsu]

Really well done. I love, love this movie. I've seen some of the other types of vids you mentioned, but hadn't seen this perspective. Now I'll have to go watch it for my **** time. :) You seriously need to make some more videos like this. Way better than a ton of crap on KZbin. Cheers mate!

[@andreshuitronbustindui75]

Hey bro. I'm watching these in 2021. Excellent video-essay bro. Really liked it. Hope u are still doing them. Good job!!!

[@kasalwemusonda6325]

Great video man

[@CrazyDuckie94]

Brilliant video essay :) keep them coming

[@crimsoncreepermc1920]

Video essay felt like you made plenty before this one. Nice. Really liked your take. 👍

[@joecoupon8299]

Very clever analysis!

[@JackPerry22]

Great Video Man!

[@harryislate]

Thank you!

[@whitestoneandy797]

Great video 👏👏 makes total sense

[@TheTonyEntertainment]

We need more!!

[@monkey_eyes5056]

Good job man, solid video lol

[@JohnSmith-dz2dc]

Great essay!

[@shivangigarg9280]

This is brilliant, mate

[@harryislate]

Thank you!

[@Dachusttin]

Great video!

[@abdurrahmansajid4591]

Very very well said

[@The_Idea_of_Dream_Vision]

This was great

[@LAGator-qu7tc]

This movie, this character isn’t talked about enough, especially in comparison to his other movies. Baby vs Buddy is a very realistic way this movie to progress given Buddy’s history

[@ryantalley5284]

Driving the parallels between them even further, and this is something i have never seen brought up even once, both of them have car or driving puns in their names. Baby's name is Miles, and Buddy's last name is Van Horn.

[@nemtudom5074]

5:04 Also, human. Most often the mirroring is done with superhumans, aliens, unnatural abilities and stuff. Baby and buddy are just ordinary humans.

[@nerdygmr5898]

this is a great video

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Slightly unrelated, but I just finished reading the full Scott Pilgrim vs. the World screenplay.

[@harryislate]

Anything different from the final cut? I wonder how much the cast got to play around with lines.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@harryislate I wouldn't entirely know. I have not watched the entire final cut. That screenplay is the closest thing I have to the full movie. As is the Baby Driver screenplay, and the screenplays of all three flavors cornetto trilogy films. Though I did watch the full Baby Driver movie on TV, though.

[@harryislate]

@@TomEyeTheSFMguy The movie is good! Very visual experience.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@harryislate I agree verily.

[@MinkShot]

Brilliant

[@davidlindsay6274]

Great video.

[@8Rincewind]

I hope your filmmaking is going well. KZbin recommended this after I watched the Hocus Pocus chase scene. I don't remember anyone drawing attention to Buddy previously. All the discussion I remember hearing about Baby Driver was about all the little details. If you ever feel like making more videos I'll be interested to watch them. My suggestion is to stick with things you're interested in or where you think you have something interesting to say.

[@DESTRAKON]

That’s your first essay? Bro that was dope you sound like you been doing this lol

[@Icerope-km9lu]

Buddy: “If you’re gonna MAIL IT IN at the post office tomorrow…” HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@praveeshachapman677]

Baby driver is the film that no one expected to be deep

[@AWormsPurpose]

Their names are similarly childish, take that as you will Also the Buddies last name is Vanhorn for that raging bull thing

[@memyselfandmich]

nice

[@dulcifer8725]

Exactly

[@andrewerdmann6938]

good always prevails

[@KingKalashnikov]

Holy shit you need more subs.

[@bertvsrob]

buddy's jacket is incredible

[@RRPL337]

I need more videos

[@clavisolemgbe4124]

I love this movie ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@todd3143]

can somebody tell me the secret to him being so wise?

[@RRPL337]

Still waiting for more videos mate

[@TiddyTwyster]

This movie was an instant classic, I just wish I was better at convincing people to watch it I'm pretty sure I make it sound like a musical crime drama, which it is, but still lmao

[@baw7267]

Also the fact that he tryes to run over baby instead of simply shooting him

[@hypenoir6982]

I kind of noticed throughout the film (forgive me if it wasn’t consistent but it seemed like that to me during the three times I’ve watch this movie) but every time someone messes with the music in some way, something bad happens or is happening, idk just something interesting

[@javakio6267]

Good thing about being a small channel is you dont get to many dislikes

[@kargovroom7701]

Someone give this man a therapist because, well crap, we all know he needs one

[@dulcifer8725]

I thought I was the only one that thought about this

[@alextuozzo7138]

You see when I see other videos like this I always think it's some weird conspiracy but because I know Edgar writes as a director he probably did intend all of this.

[@DoughboyNinetyOne]

Where did you get those extended scenes in baby driver's finale?

[@AdrianChazz]

Wow... F*ck it, I'm subscribing.

[@stopwatchstudios9622]

I really thought it was gonna be Batz

[@StephenFasciani]

I still don't get how Debora doesn't go to Jail herself. She was an accomplice

[@JackJack-zo4zt]

I would preferred Baby to have remained a criminal. It was a fun concept in the beginning before I realized he actually wanted out. 'Cause he's such a stark contrast to the typical kind of criminal, it would have been fun to watch him be a sort of anti-criminal criminal.

[@basedtruther1020]

He can play an amazing negan

[@deathab0ve]

Also not mentioned and late to this sorry. Buddy, and Baby. Darling and Debra. The couple's names share starting consents and the same amount of vowels. De-Bra, Dar-Ling.

[@sincitymafia7809]

Nice one

[@SaltyPepperss]

Another thing to notice is the movie starts in a car and ends in a car

[@dabakrada5077]

Buddy is still alive.

[@joshuasimons9887]

omg will you make a sequel? you're basically nerdwriter 2.0

[@harryislate]

thank you king, maybe one day

[@Copykat96i]

I don't know why but buddy feels like gta v michael

[@seanthomas5323]

i made a story like Grand Theft Auto its called Motor Vehicle Theft i might put Buddy in the story its set in Magic Bay aka Miami and Centro County aka Hernando County and Ricardo aka Orlando. its my fanfiction.

[@oreting]

Bbay