Bridging the Gap

The film Hot Fuzz by Edgar Wright is one that I personally enjoy due to the various techniques used in all parts of production to create an effective action-comedy film.

The aspect of the film I most like is that a great amount of effort was put in to not waste a single shot or possibility for a joke or reference, which resulted in great examples visual comedy, homages and more. For example. references throughout the film to the film Top Gun, before reenacting a scene from the film in a homage, is effective in entertaining the audience individually as comical scenes and again as an overarching sequence. As a demographic of the target audience is people that enjoy action films, it's quite likely that they have seen the films that are referenced and as a result will appreciate the reference.

My favourite part of the film is the travel compilation in the start of the film. Using fast cuts. loud jarring sound contrasting with ambient noise and funny but relatable context means it results in an effective transition from one place to the other. This is especially impressive because it goes against the common trope in films of panning the camera from left to right to show travel, instead using the opportunity to create an entertaining montage which sets the tone of the character for the rest of the film - serious and pessimistic.

An original but familiar plot is introduced with this film - the two protagonists piecing together a crime leading up to a large showdown at the end, interspersed with action and comedy to keep the audience interested, as well as character progression from both characters that pays off in the last scenes. For example, Angel becomes more friendly and part of the police team while also accepting the quiet life he was given (contrasting his opinions in the opening scenes), while Butterman becomes more professional, becomes independent of his family and peer pressure while also keeping his optimistic and happy-go-lucky attitude which cements his place as the comic relief of the film.
All actors give an effective performance in the film, with the over-the-top theme present throughout epitomised in the acting of Skinner, the supermarket owner, and Butterman, creating entertaining but still relatable characters that the audience can easily identify for their respective roles. This also extends to special effects, with exaggerated gore scenes (e.g. the spire scene) being used to encourage the audience to enjoy the humour inherent in how ridiculous it is.

Overall, the film an over the top, ridiculous film paired with realistic but exaggerated characters and effective production techniques to create an overall entertaining film that appeals to a wide audience.