Earlier this week Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. The World celebrated its ten-year anniversary.
Based on the hit graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Malley, the film follows Scott Pilgrim, who must win a competition to get a record deal and battle the league of seven evil exes from his new girlfriend Ramona Flowers.
Tragically, the film bombed at the box office – but it was well received by critics and later developed a cult following.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World starts off with the lead character named Scott (played by Michael Cera) who is a bit of a loser and is dating a high-school girl five years younger than him. He does however play in a band, the only cool thing about him. Scott ends up finding this mysterious but irresistible woman named Ramona Flowers at a party.
From this moment, he decides that it’s his destiny to be with Ramona but unfortunately, she comes with baggage: seven evil exes. As if juggling two women wasn’t enough, he must face her seven evil exes and battle them to the death throughout the film in order to win Ramona.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World has one of the greatest ensemble casts in film history as every single person is just incredible. From Cera to even the smallest characters such as Ramona’s first ex played by Satya Bhabha, they are all phenomenal bringing that Edgar Wright wit mixed with charm.
There is no one letting the film down and it’s intriguing to see where these amazing actors ended up with Brie Larson, Chris Evans and Mary Elizabeth Winstead – all starring in huge superhero films.
The cinematography, the editing and music are Edgar Wright’s signature style. It’s astonishingly creative with every frame being meticulously selected to fit the tone they are going for in the film. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World pays perfect homage to the original source in its style as well with subtle references to the graphic novels.
Edgar Wright makes this film a superb love letter to the graphic novels – whilst making it his own unique brand of style. It’s a shame that the film bombed at the box office, because it shows Wright at his best in filmmaking.
Image credit: NME.com
Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz are two of his most remembered films because of their British humour, but Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is his masterpiece. Sure, his previous films are hilarious, but they aren’t as polished, and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World shows Wright adapting and experimenting with his style.
From the unbelievable cast completely transforming themselves into this world to the astounding cinematographic from Wright, this film deserves the cult following status. Scott Pilgrim vs The World is a film that deserves all the recognition it receives because it still leaves an impact ten years later. You’ll be missing out on an incredible experience if you don’t watch this film, so make sure to check it out.
By Charlie Vogelsang
Feature image: Empire