Bonus Bang: Jon Hamm, Edgar Wright, Paul F. Tompkins, Jessica McKenna (Going Hamm)
Digest
This episode of Comedy Bang Bang is a bonus bang, featuring a conversation with Edgar Wright and John Hamm about their new film "Baby Driver." The episode begins with Scott Aukerman introducing the episode and highlighting the unique British-American dynamic of the guests. The conversation then shifts to the film "Baby Driver," with Scott describing his experience watching the film and expressing his confusion about its plot. Edgar Wright and John Hamm then join the show, and the conversation delves into the film's unique blend of action and music, the challenges of shooting car chases on a real freeway, and the importance of music in the film's storytelling. The conversation also touches on the film's cast, themes, and character motivations, with Edgar Wright and John Hamm sharing their insights into the film's creation. The episode also features a humorous exchange about British English and the use of certain words as insults in the UK. The conversation then shifts to accents and regional dialects, with Scott and John Hamm discussing the "receive pronunciation" (RP) accent in the UK and the Midwestern accent in the US. The episode concludes with a review of "Baby Driver," with Scott and Edgar Wright discussing their favorite aspects of the film and its technical specs.
Outlines
Introduction and Bonus Bang Announcement
Scott Aukerman introduces the episode as a bonus bang, highlighting a previous episode featuring John Hamm and Edgar Wright. He also mentions the episode number and release date.
Comedy Bang Bang Begins
The main show begins with a catchphrase submission and a brief exchange between Scott and an unidentified guest.
Balls Deep in June
Scott jokes about being "balls deep" in June, referencing the end of the month and the "dads and grads" celebration. He then engages in a humorous exchange with guests about their dad/grad status.
British English and Car Movie Struggles
The conversation shifts to British English, specifically the words "hood" and "trunk," which are called "bonnet" and "boot" in the UK. John Hamm shares his experience of struggling to get American stuntmen to understand these terms.
Baby Driver Discussion Begins
Scott introduces the main topic of the episode: the film "Baby Driver." He describes his experience watching the film and expresses his confusion about its plot.
Edgar Wright and John Hamm Join the Show
Edgar Wright and John Hamm join the show. Scott welcomes them back and highlights the unique British-American dynamic of the episode.
Baby Driver: A Car Movie Driven by Music
Scott describes "Baby Driver" as a car chase movie driven by music, where the audience experiences the film through the protagonist's ears and eyes. He also mentions Edgar Wright's previous work on a music video that inspired the film.
Baby Driver: Cast and Themes
Scott discusses the cast of "Baby Driver," including Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, and Lily James. He also touches on the themes of the film, highlighting the protagonist's naivety and the audience's ability to root for him despite his criminal activities.
Edgar Wright's Filmmaking Process
Scott asks Edgar Wright about his filmmaking process, specifically his use of storyboards and music. Edgar explains how he boards out the entire film to music, ensuring that every shot is timed perfectly.
Edgar Wright's Early Film "Fist Full of Fingers"
Edgar Wright discusses his early film "Fist Full of Fingers," which he made when he was 20 years old. He reveals that he padded out the film with long credits sequences and a black screen scene to meet the minimum runtime requirement for a feature film.
Baby Driver: A Musical Car Chase
Scott and Edgar Wright continue to discuss "Baby Driver," emphasizing the film's unique blend of action and music. They also discuss the film's soundtrack and the process of selecting songs for the film.
Baby Driver: Themes and Character Motivation
Scott asks Edgar Wright and John Hamm about the themes and character motivations in "Baby Driver." They discuss the protagonist's desire for freedom and his struggle to escape his past.
British English and Insults
The conversation returns to British English, with Scott and John Hamm discussing the use of certain words as insults in the UK. They also discuss the tendency for British actors to adopt a lower-class accent when imitating American characters.
Accents and Regional Dialects
Scott and John Hamm discuss accents and regional dialects, specifically the "receive pronunciation" (RP) accent in the UK and the Midwestern accent in the US. They also discuss the tendency for actors to change their accents to seem smarter.
British Actors Imitating Americans
Scott and John Hamm discuss the challenges of British actors imitating American characters, specifically the tendency for them to sound like Mandy Patinkin. They also discuss the difficulty of saying the word "water" with a British accent.
Water Talk and Condom Jokes
Scott and John Hamm engage in a humorous exchange about the word "water" and its pronunciation in different accents. They also make a series of condom jokes.
Baby Driver Plot Summary
Scott asks Edgar Wright to describe the plot of "Baby Driver" without giving too much away. Edgar attempts to summarize the plot in 10 words, but ultimately settles for a one-word summary: "Movie."
John Hamm's Titular Roles
Scott jokes about John Hamm's lack of titular roles in "Baby Driver," referencing his previous roles in "Mad Men" and "Day the Earth Stood Still."
Baby Driver Cast and Flea's Cameo
Scott discusses the cast of "Baby Driver," including Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, and Lily James. He also asks Edgar Wright about how he cast Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the film.
John Hamm's Experience Making Baby Driver
John Hamm shares his experience making "Baby Driver," highlighting the well-prepared nature of Edgar Wright's direction and the fun atmosphere on set.
Baby Driver: Practical Stunts and Green Screens
Scott and Edgar Wright discuss the practical stunts used in "Baby Driver," contrasting them with the use of green screens in other films. They also discuss the challenges of shooting car chases on a real freeway.
Casting Ansel Elgort and John Hamm
Scott asks Edgar Wright about the casting process for "Baby Driver," specifically how he chose Ansel Elgort for the lead role and John Hamm for a supporting role.
John Hamm's Musical Background
Scott asks John Hamm about his musical background, and John reveals that he has been in three musicals: "Carousel," "Godspell," and "Assassins."
Baby Driver: Secrets and Personal Themes
Scott asks Edgar Wright and John Hamm to share a secret about "Baby Driver" that they haven't revealed to the press. Edgar reveals that he is fully nude in the film, while John Hamm expresses his lack of interest in the revelation.
Baby Driver: A Dream Come True
Scott asks Edgar Wright if "Baby Driver" is a dream come true for him and if it's his most personal film. Edgar explains that the film is very personal because of his passion for music and that it's an idea he's had for 22 years.
Baby Driver: A Great Film
Scott encourages everyone to see "Baby Driver," emphasizing its unique blend of action and music. He also discusses the film's soundtrack and the use of Dolby Atmos sound.
Baby Driver: A Moment of Silence for Doug Benson
Scott and Edgar Wright pay tribute to Doug Benson, who recently passed away. They discuss his love of storms and his role in the film "Twister."
Baby Driver: Oscar Predictions
Scott and Edgar Wright discuss their Oscar predictions for "Baby Driver," speculating that the film might be nominated for sound effects. They also discuss the lack of a stunt category at the Oscars.
Call Sheet Breakdown
Scott and Edgar Wright discuss the call sheet for "Baby Driver," trying to remember their positions on the list. They speculate about the order of the actors, including Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, and John Hamm.
Technical Aspects of Filmmaking
Scott asks Edgar Wright about the technical aspects of filmmaking, specifically the types of lenses used for car chases.
JW Stillwater and Eddie Lee Capers
JW Stillwater, a vigilante superhero from Cumberbatch County, Florida, joins the show. He reveals his secret identity as Eddie Lee Capers, a fan boat repairman.
Florida as America's Penis
JW Stillwater makes a humorous comparison between Florida and America's penis, leading to a discussion about the state's geography and its relationship to the rest of the country.
Edgar Wright's Favorite Film
Scott asks Edgar Wright about his favorite film, but the conversation is interrupted by JW Stillwater, who insists on being called "Eddie Lee Capers."
John Hamm's Favorite Film
Scott asks John Hamm about his favorite film, but John reveals that he hasn't seen many films because he's a "good Christian man." He then expresses his love for the film "Caligula."
JW Stillwater's Crime Fighting
JW Stillwater asks for help with his crime fighting, prompting Scott to ask him to describe the crimes he fights in Cumberbatch County, Florida.
A Vigilante's Origin Story
The conversation begins with a discussion about the vigilante's solo crime-fighting style and his adopted ward in Los Angeles. He mentions a missing hammer case that sparked his vigilante journey, highlighting the corruption of the local police.
The Mystery of the Missing Hammer
The conversation delves into the missing hammer case, with the vigilante revealing that he still hasn't recovered it. He discusses his suspects and the possibility of the corrupt sheriff being involved.
A New Case in Los Angeles
The vigilante explains his current mission in Los Angeles, which involves rescuing women trapped in a place where men cannot reach them. He mentions a rumor about an all-female screening of Wonder Woman, sparking a discussion about the film.
The Magic of Wonder Woman
The conversation shifts to the vigilante's views on magic, particularly in the context of Wonder Woman's lasso. He expresses his Christian beliefs and his dislike for magic-related media, including Harry Potter, Pokemon, and magic tricks.
The All-Female Wonder Woman Screening
The conversation returns to the all-female Wonder Woman screening, with the vigilante explaining that it's not a crime but a gathering of women who want to enjoy the movie together. He discusses the movie's empowering message for women.
Movie References and Controversies
The conversation continues with a discussion about various movie references, including Woody Allen's "Manhattan," the "Fast and the Furious" franchise, and the controversial title "Race Wars."
The Mystery of the Lenses
The conversation shifts to the topic of lenses, which the vigilante wants to discuss in the next segment. He mentions the upcoming release of "Baby Driver" and expresses his desire for the film to be a box office success.
A Surprise Guest: Beth
The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Beth, a young girl who is the vigilante's adopted ward's daughter. She reveals that she is a fan of "Mad Men" and "Don Madman," and she has a blockbuster car that she wants to give to the vigilante.
Beth's Dreams and the Mystery of Her Father
The conversation focuses on Beth's dreams and her search for her father. She reveals that her mother gave her a box of clues, which includes two safety pins, a bus ticket to Central Florida, and an orange T-Pay.
The Search for Beth's Father
The vigilante offers to help Beth find her father, and she reveals that she has a box of clues that might lead her to him. The conversation delves into the meaning of the clues and the possibility of Beth's father being Donald Trump.
The Vigilante's Moral Compass
The conversation explores the vigilante's moral compass, particularly his stance on killing. He reveals that he has witnessed a death and discusses his beliefs about the sanctity of life.
Beth's Agenda and Her Unique Abilities
The conversation returns to Beth's agenda, which includes finding her father and keeping the blockbuster car. She reveals that she has been homeschooled because she accidentally predicted the deaths of several children.
Math, Movies, and Cultural Differences
The conversation touches on the cultural differences between the UK and the US, particularly in the use of the phrase "do the math." Beth expresses her interest in math and her love for movies, revealing that her favorite movie is "Congo."
Beth's Movie Preferences and Love Actually
The conversation continues with a discussion about Beth's favorite movies, including "Congo" and "Love Actually." She expresses her dislike for "The Leftovers" because Justin Theroux makes her nervous.
Plugs and Baby Driver
The conversation concludes with plugs for "Baby Driver," which is set to be released on Wednesday. The vigilante offers to take Beth to the movie, and the conversation ends with a humorous exchange about fan boats and drive-in theaters.
Mad Men and the Universe
The conversation starts with a discussion about the ending of Mad Men and whether Don Draper is alive in 2017. The hosts speculate about the possibility of a Mad Men reunion and a musical adaptation.
Plugs and Shoutouts
The hosts share their plugs and shoutouts, including Beth's eBay page, John's comic book, and JW's friend's fan repair shop.
The Mist and Misery
The conversation shifts to a discussion about the movie "The Mist" and its ending. The hosts debate whether the ending is a bummer and compare it to other films like "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."
Misery and Assassins
The hosts continue their discussion about "Misery" and its themes of isolation and obsession. They also discuss the film's ending and the role of the assassins.
Baby Driver Review
The hosts wrap up the episode with a review of the film "Baby Driver." They discuss their favorite aspects of the film and its technical specs.
Crisis on Infinite Earths
The hosts discuss the possibility of a movie about the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" storyline from DC Comics. They also discuss the potential for a superhero movie based on JW's idea.
The End
The hosts end the episode with a humorous exchange about a screenplay for a movie based on the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" storyline.
Keywords
Baby Driver
A 2017 action-comedy film directed by Edgar Wright, featuring Ansel Elgort as a young getaway driver who relies on music to stay focused during his heists.
Edgar Wright
A British film director known for his unique style, which often incorporates action, comedy, and music. He is known for films like "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz," and "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World."
John Hamm
An American actor known for his role as Don Draper in the AMC drama series "Mad Men." He has also starred in films like "Baby Driver," "Day the Earth Stood Still," and "Bridesmaids."
Bonnet
The hood of a car in British English.
Boot
The trunk of a car in British English.
Cumberbatch County, Florida
A fictional location in Florida, the home of JW Stillwater, a vigilante superhero.
Fan Boat
A type of boat with a large fan at the back, used for navigating shallow waters.
Eddie Lee Capers
The secret identity of JW Stillwater, a fan boat repairman.
Receive Pronunciation (RP)
A standard accent of English, often associated with upper-class speakers in the UK.
Q&A
What is "Baby Driver" about?
"Baby Driver" is a car chase movie driven by music, where the protagonist, a young getaway driver, relies on music to stay focused during his heists.
How did Edgar Wright come up with the idea for "Baby Driver"?
Edgar Wright had the idea for "Baby Driver" for 22 years, inspired by his passion for music and his experience making a music video that explored similar themes.
What is unique about the filmmaking process Edgar Wright uses?
Edgar Wright boards out the entire film to music, ensuring that every shot is timed perfectly. He also has an editor on set to help him visualize the film as it's being shot.
What are some of the challenges of shooting car chases on a real freeway?
Shooting car chases on a real freeway is dangerous and requires a lot of coordination between the stunt drivers, the actors, and the crew. It also requires a lot of safety precautions to ensure that everyone is safe.
What is the significance of the music in "Baby Driver"?
The music in "Baby Driver" is not just a background element; it's an integral part of the film's storytelling. The protagonist relies on music to stay focused and to escape his past.
What is the relationship between the characters in "Baby Driver"?
The characters in "Baby Driver" are a group of criminals who are bound together by their shared desire for freedom and their need to escape their past. The protagonist is a young and naive getaway driver who is trying to find his place in the world.
What is the overall tone of "Baby Driver"?
"Baby Driver" is a high-octane action-comedy film that blends elements of crime, music, and romance. It's a fast-paced and exciting film that is sure to entertain audiences.
What is the vigilante's origin story?
The vigilante's origin story involves a missing hammer case in Comberbatch County, where he discovered the local police were corrupt and decided to take the law into his own hands.
What is the vigilante's current mission in Los Angeles?
The vigilante is in Los Angeles to rescue women who are trapped in a place where men cannot reach them. He believes there is a conspiracy involving an all-female screening of Wonder Woman.
Show Notes
This is part 3 of our "Going Hamm" series, originally episode #494 titled "Face Fox". Jon Hamm and Edgar Wright join Scott to talk about their new film “Baby Driver,” Edgar’s first film “A Fistful of Fingers,” water, and musicals. Then, vigilante hero JW Stillwater returns to seek help from Scott, Jon, and Edgar with an issue of women being trapped in a room with no access to men. Plus, little girl Beth rides into the studio once again on her power wheels to talk about summer plans and her dad’s whereabouts.
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