Review: Edgar Wright's Baby Driver

(Piece for University of Warwick's, The Boar. 19th August 2017)

★★★★★

Probably best known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost for a series of films dubbed ‘The Cornetto Trilogy’ (Shaun of The Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End), Edgar Wright, in my opinion, is one of the most talented directors in today’s film world. A director unparalleled in his style, his films are witty and eccentric with his idiosyncratic style boasting a love for visual gags and gratuitous violence. With their nods to the sci-fi genre and the downright absurdity that parallels films such as An American Werewolf in London, his films are somewhat symptomatic of ironically low-budget B-movies. Wright has always been a fan of crossing the boundaries of genre, often pairing his edgy comedic style with visual language from old school horror and sci-fi films, and his new release is no exception.

Whilst Wright has certainly seen success with his previous films and he is a known aficionado of pulp cinema, one can’t exactly call him a household name. However, his new film, Baby Driver, could be set to change that. Fourteen years ago, Edgar Wright explored the utterly innovative and individual premise of a music-obsessed getaway driver with a music video for the band Mint Royale. The original concept had Noel Fielding assume the position of quirky protagonist, but the recent film sees Ansel Elgort take on the role, one that might be his best yet. The format of the pre-incarnation of Wright’s vision immediately established the integral bond between music and visuals often employed in his films. Its careful and seamless blend of action and music means that Baby Driver can almost be credited as being a modern musical. Protagonist ‘Baby’ lives his life to the melodies of songs; simple tasks such as getting coffee earn themselves a soundtrack. Not to mention that all heists are choreographed to the perfect song choice found in Baby’s extensive collection of iPods.

In musicals, dialogue is often replaced by song and this is true in the case of Baby, a man of few words. His lack of verbal communication is something picked up on multiple times throughout the film. The music speaks for him; it keeps his tinnitus at bay, it allows him to get to know Debora (his love interest played by Lily James), it allows him to complete his getaway jobs and it allows him to connect with his dead mother. His life is orchestrated by whichever iPod he chooses to pick up that day and music is granted a starring role in the car-chase thriller. Another example of Wright’s affinity for genre-bending, Baby Driver gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘musical’.

Edgar Wright’s snappy directing style is perfectly suited to the energetic plot filled with action sequences, endearing moments of blossoming romance, a witty script and a stellar cast. Baby Driver sees Kevin Spacey as the menacing crime boss Doc, the last man you would want to be indebted to, but alas, Baby is. Alongside him stand Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx, to name a few of the criminals Baby is at the hands of.

All performances are rife with comedic wit blended unsettlingly with threatening menace, and whilst the ensemble cast works for the most part, I do take issue with Debora. A character as elusive as her eponymous song titles, Debora isn’t given much substance beyond being Baby’s love interest. The narrative gives us glimpses into her life but quickly snatches them away, meaning it is hard to become invested in her character. A definite shame considering the potential evident in her charming personality.

Already garnering a 97% scoring on Rotten Tomatoes as well as innumerable five star reviews, Baby Driver is firmly asserting itself as one of the best films of 2017. Its stylish direction paired with a killer soundtrack make for another successful Wright film, the level of which he certainly deserves.

Flares Wearing Female of the Future

This outfit took a lot of confidence to post. From the figure hugging flares to the uber cool cat eye shades, every ounce of this outfit screamed 'out of my comfort zone'. I'll admit I do love to play with silhouettes and shapes when styling looks, but I tend to stick to boxy side of things. 

I bought these trousers for a themed club night, but had been wanting a pair like them for a while. I'm fully in love with the frilled trouser trend but didn't know if it was for me as I'm not exactly confident with my legs. These are fairly tight fitting, so there was no hiding any lumps and curves, which made me anxious to no end. I'm always aware of my wide hips and I was worried that, despite being tall and actually having quite long legs, these trousers would make me look stubby and just... round, to put it simply. 

In an attempt to make myself feel more confident in these amazing trousers, I decided to go all out with them as that's what those amazing flared frills deserve. I went low key on top with a simple graphic tee but amped the look up with the accessories. Red is probably my fave colour at the moment, especially when it comes to accessorising. I went for some red block heels to compliment the legs of the trousers and make my own look a little longer and more flattering. These tassel earrings are incredible and I've been trying to wear them with everything as they're just so cool. I also chucked on this red bag, which is an oldie but a goodie.

Finally, I thought if I was going to be extra about this look, I may as well wear the most extra shades I own. These extreme cat eye sunglasses have been on my wishlist for months, but I couldn't find a pair anywhere at first. I did worry that they wouldn't suit my round, moon face but if I position them on the end of my nose in an attempt to look all sultry and cool,  I think I can just about pull them off. 

Trousers: Missguided

T-Shirt: Topshop

Shoes: Asos

Bag: Accessorize (old)

Sunglasses: Topshop

Earrings: Forever 21

Returning to an Old Favourite: MAC Face and Body

After struggling for months to try and find a new foundation to fit my pale complexion and dry skin and having no luck, I decided to return to an old favourite. It's been a few years since I last purchased a bottle of MAC's Face and Body foundation; back in the day, this was my go to. I loved the uber light but buildable coverage (as I'm not one to opt for a full on look) and, as I suffer with dry skin, I tend to go for a foundation that's dewy and moisturising. Saying that, I do like to go for a fuller coverage on my cheeks as they're constantly a lovely tomatoish shade of red, and because Face and Body layers well, I can do this easily without it looking cakey. 

I hadn't bought this in a while as the price tag puts me off massively; paying £21 for a tiny bottle does bring a tear to my eye, but I was feeling a bit hopeless after failing to find a foundation that I liked and decided to splash out for it again.

Despite the fact that I get the palest shade available, I still find that it can look a little orange if I'm slap handed with the blending. However with a bit of a tan, the shade matches my skin tone exactly. I don't particularly like leaving the house with a naked face, so this is the perfect foundation to dab on to even out my skin tone and make me feel a little more confident, especially as it has a 'skin-like' look to it and you could easily pass as wearing no make up at all. 

It's a great foundation for the summer as it's not heavy, however due to its dewy finish, you might require a little more powder than usual so that you don't end up shiny. 

Coincidentally, just as I was getting back into this old favourite, I was contacted by the lovely people at Reviews.com, who had tested out a bunch of foundations and Face and Body came out on top, especially for Sheer to Medium coverage! They kindly sent over some research for me to share on my blog so that my readers can decide if this is the perfect foundation for themselves! Have a read below:

Best Sheer to Medium Coverage

The most noticeable thing about MAC’s Face and Body Foundation is its consistency. At first touch, it feels like wiping colored water on your face, which is strange if you’re used to a creamier formula — but it’s also quite refreshing.

It’s water- and silicone-based — and therefore smooth and slippery to apply — and it’s best known for its film formers, the ingredients that help create that “second skin” effect. You can start to feel the film formers set as you work the foundation onto your face, which is why using your fingers to apply (as opposed to a brush or sponge) works best.

Once Face and Body is on, it’s there to stay, through rain, sweat, tears, and turtlenecks. It dries to a satin finish, which in makeup is the closest you’ll get to “natural” — a light sheen, but not full-on dewy. As makeup artist Chelsey Matley put it, “It feels like nothing, but is incredibly long-wearing and photographs so well.”

Who is it best for?

Like with tinted moisturizer, sheer coverage is great for anyone with naturally good skin, or who is prepared to do some extra concealing once it’s applied.

Who should skip it?

There are no ingredients that will exacerbate acne or clog pores, but the level of coverage and satin finish won’t do much for anyone trying to mask skin problems. While you can layer Face and Body to a more medium coverage, it is never going to disguise major blemishes, hide large pores, or block oil. Face and Body also includes parabens, preservative ingredients we feel comfortable recommending, but we’re aware they aren’t for everyone.

To learn more about tips on flawless application and the difference between primers, concealers and foundations check out the research from Reviews.com, here. 

When Life Gives You Lemons

Long time no see. It would appear that my promise to get back into the blogging game quickly expired as I suffered from a severe lack of mojo and an even more severe lack of wifi. But I am back at it again with a brand new look.

I saw this tee on Instagram on another blogger and just had to have it. I'm steadily building up a collection of white t shirts to throw on with just about anything and this lemon one has certainly become one of my favourites. 

I picked it up from NA-KD, which is somewhere I had never ordered from before. I constantly see the name floating around the blogging-svere but had always been put off by how extensive the website was- seriously, the pages and pages (and pages...) of items can be a little overwhelming! But with the promise of free shipping and my strong feelings for this t shirt, I had to give it a go.

I went for quite a smart look by adding this Topshop blazer that I'm OBSESSED with. I've barely taken it off since I bought it a few months ago and it certainly fuels my current love for that 'business woman of the 80s' look à la Working Girl. It even has shoulder pads- I'm in love.

I kept it basic with some black culottes and then featured my colour of the moment with my red loafers.

Blazer: Topshop

T Shirt: NA-KD

Culottes: Urban Outfitters

Loafers: Topshop

Bag: Primark

Sunglasses: H&M

I've got three more looks to edit and get up and hope to shoot some more in the coming week, so keep an eye out for those!