Film Review | Archetypes - Baby Driver
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Hero – Baby
The main protagonist of the film, Baby plays the part of the
Hero as he attempts to leave his life of crime and run away with the woman he
loves. Everything the viewer experiences in the film is directly what is seen
or heard by Baby, even going to the extent of the movie’s soundtrack being what
Baby is listening to at the time.
Shadow/Villain – Buddy, Bats, Darling, Doc (The Crew)
There is no one specific villain in Baby Driver (2017), as
the whole criminal world that Baby is involved with acts as the antagonists,
leading Baby astray, and attempting to stop him in quest of escaping crime.
Herald – Deborah, Doc
Both Doc and Deborah act as heralds, but in different ways.
Doc is the one who decides where Baby must go and when, dictating every move
and giving him new jobs. Whereas Deborah instigates a greater overarching story
of love, instigating Baby’s wanting to leave his life of crime, so they can run
away together.
Threshold Guardian – Doc
Doc also acts as the Threshold Guardian as he is the one who
constantly stands in Baby’s way, pulling him away from his love.
Trickster – Bats
Bats likes to toy with Baby’s emotions and mock. While he
doesn’t necessarily outright ‘trick’ anyone, his antics are what push Baby over
the edge, causing him to abandon his crew and kill for the first time.
Mentor – Doc
While Doc does try to pull Baby away from those he’s close
to, he acts as the mentor as he guides Baby through their ‘jobs’.
Allies – Buddy, Deborah, Doc
Throughout most of the film, Buddy acts as the closest thing
Baby has to a friend as everyone else mocks and bullies. Deborah is the only
the only character through the entirety of the film that acts solely as Baby’s
ally, trying to help him however she can. And, while Doc is seen as an
antagonist for much of the movie, he does have a soft spot for Baby and ultimately
sacrifices himself so that Baby and Deborah can escape.
Mother – Baby’s Mother, Music
Throughout the film, the viewer is constantly reminded of
Baby’s love for his dead mother, which is partly the cause of him constantly
listening to music as it reminds him of her.
Father – Doc, Baby’s Father, Joseph
In the film, Baby does have an actual father present however
he is only seen in a small number of short scenes where he doesn’t play a
particularly major role in the story, however Doc and Joseph are much more
present as the ‘father figures’ in Baby’s life. Doc is Baby’s boss but also
cares for him, and tries to teach him all he knows. And, while Baby is Joseph’s
carer, it is clear that there is a bond between the two like that of a father
and his son.
Maiden – Deborah
Deborah is very clearly the Maiden of the film as she is
Baby’s only love interest, and the reason he decided to leave his life of crime
to attempt an escape with her.
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