Baby’s Got the Tunes
Lynn Students Discuss the Film ‘Baby Driver’ and the Influence of
Music.
By Lisset Guillen, Staff Writer
The film “Baby Driver” was released in the United States six years ago. It portrays the influence music has on characters.
To learn more, iPulse spoke with Lynn University students and faculty to understand what music meant to them.
The film opens with the protagonist, Baby, sitting behind the wheel of a Subaru Impreza WRX helping a robbery. While in the car, he lips syncs Jon Spencer Blues Explosion’s “Bellbottoms.” The song uses a variety of instruments including a violin, drums and guitar.
“I really like how music makes me feel,” said Sophia Gjerswold-Selleck, a Lynn freshman. “I like the use of different instruments such as guitar and piano.”
Throughout the film, Baby’s music blasts in his earbuds because it lowers the effects of his tinnitus. With his playlist, he is able to focus on driving his car in action-packed sequences.
“Sometimes you need a music break, which is a great distraction,” said Jennifer McFarland, an assistant professor in the College of Business and Management. “Music can change your mood and what clothes you wear.”
Baby is a criminal with a dark past in which he lost his mother in a car accident. He keeps a cassette tape labeled “Mom” to remember her. The tape has a recording of his mother singing “Easy” by Sky Ferreira.
“I’m more so a fan of older music,” said Stephen Barr, a professor in the College of Business and Management. “If you listen to music with the intent of blocking everything from your day then it is a form of escapism.”
The film’s sound mixing is significant. In the opening scene, every prominent movement is in sync with the song Baby is playing. The film earned a 7.6 rating on IMDb. It was also nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Sound Mixing. Music has truly left a mark on cinema and students.
