the following contains spoilers for The World’s End
The World’s End is truly one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Directed by Edgar Wright, this film mixes visual gags with hilarious scenes, creating the conclusion of the famous and well-known comedy Cornetto Trilogy.
Unlike the rest of the films in this trilogy, The World ‘s End focuses largely on heavy themes while keeping humor in mind.
While remaining an alien invasion story, the plot focuses on the true meaning of friendship, dependence on technology, consumerism and becoming an adult.
Gary King continues the Golden Mile through the alien invasion because he is stuck on self-destruction. He has this desire to go back to the past and still be a carefree teenager with no worries.
Each of the characters are going through their own process during the film. Gary, as established, is dealing with addiction and depression; Steven, unrequited love; Andy, a failed marriage; Peter, life after bullying.
Another interesting theme in The World’s End is the depiction of large corporations in real life, which try to create something “better” and “safe” at the expense of people’s freedom, taking away their individuality. In the film we see how The Network has established a single type of cars and beers so that everyone follows the same lifestyle.
Another fantastic aspect of this movie is the level of detail hidden in the film. The name of each pub foreshadows what will happen there. The First Post is the first pub on the road, The Old Familiar is exactly like the other one, The Famous Cock is the first pub where someone recognizes Gary, Cross Hands is where the boys fight the teenagers in the men’s room, The Good Companions is where they pretend to be having a good time, The Trusty Servant is where they meet their former pot dealer, The Two-Headed Dog is where Gary fights robotic twins, The Mermaid is where the boys get seduced, The Hive is where Mr. Shepherd explains the Network’s goals, The King’s Head is where Gary King’s problems come to light, The Hole in the Wall is where Andy crashes, and The World’ End is where it all ends.
The color palette was also well detailed. The Blanks’ blue color becomes an eye-opener that reveals the hidden robots in a shocking way. Oliver and Peter being the only ones wearing blue out of the friend group, hints that they will be the next ones to become robots.
The main editing techniques that define this film are dramatic and comic cuts, as well as interesting transitions, and single shots. Edgar Wright knows how to take full advantage of these elements. This film uses optical features to make the scenes dynamic and interesting, even jumping over fences is used as a comic element in scenes with a high level of suspense and tension.
The World’s End is full of action, comedy and hidden lessons. Fans of The Cornetto Trilogy often consider this film to be the worst of them, however I must mention that for me, it is quite the opposite. The World’s End is a fun, entertaining and insightful film; definitely worth watching.
Write Through the Night 