Oh yes, they both reached for the gun

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TikTok Trend
Synonym(s):
Date(s): July 2024
Distinguishing element(s):
Associated audio(s): We Both Reached for the Gun from Chicago
Associated hashtag(s):
Related:
See also: TikTok, Edit (video genre)

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Oh yes, they both reached for the gun is a TikTok editing trend which began in July 2024, in which fans edit characters set to a clip from the song We Both Reached for the Gun from the musical Chicago. Often, these edits center around two or more characters in conflict for the same object or goal.

Stylistic Elements

While many popular editing styles don't emphasize text as a visual component, the creative placement of on-screen text to highlight and complement visual details is often a key element of the trend.[note 1]

wait the text getting bigger and the narrative getting closer to the eye and mordor actually GAGGED me

comment by @yoo_gene on a LOTR edit

The repetition of lyrics and text may be used to indicate to the audience what the 'gun' is, which ranges from highly abstract[1] to very literal (a weapon,[2] object,[3] or character[4]).

Variations

Some editors used the trend to specifically highlight parallels between characters;

In sports fandoms, some editors use the trend to either parallel two player or for a specific match, usually a knock-out match or a final of some sort;

  • Edit by jr20rd (Football RPF) paralleling Barcelona and Spanish national team players, Aitana Bonmati and Alexis Putellas.
  • Edit by mearps.cc (Football RPF) of the Women's FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Manchester United in 2024.

Fan Commentary

The trend was generally received positively by fans[5]. In particular, many fans enjoyed the way editors matched the lyrics of the original song and the symbol of the gun to different canons:

The edits to this song are absolutely immaculate. The slow tension build of scenes involving significant moments into insane situations is just top tier. The Last of Us, The Bear, and the Detroit Become Human ones have been my favorites so far. Musical audios have proven time and time again that they are perfect for non-musical related content.

TikTok, Archived version by whimsykinsey

Obsessed with every single one of these edits because if there's something about me I'm going to obsess over similarities between completely different storylines. The face that so many forms of media can fit into a concept where "they both reached for the gun" literally makes my little lit loving brain so happy we love archetypes (Also don't get me started on how so many can be used as the perfect example of Chekov's gun in media like plz this is too good)

TikTok, Archived version by sellafran

These edits are so much better when there is a clear indication of what the "gun" is. The arcane edit, the puss in boots edit, the last of us 2 one. Anything to this audio slaps but those have extra sauce of a story.

TikTok, Archived version by finddoescos

A number of fans also commented on this as part of a wider trend of edits and edit trends on TikTok that featured songs from musicals:

Please continue putting musical audios in edits. Hamilton, Last Five Years, Chicago, Wicked, Phantom, Rent, literally almost all of them. The musicality of the songs brings a new element to the symbolism in your favourite media. The rhythm, the instruments, and the lyrics tend to put a whole new spin on almost everything!

TikTok, Archived version by whimsykinsey

Example Fanworks

Notes

  1. ^ See Everything Everywhere All At Once Edit by @l.3ditr for an example of text as a stylistic element in this trend

References

  1. ^ See: Avatar Edit by @dasha_fu with Zuko and Azula,
  2. ^ See: Supernatural Edit by @jaredaep with the colt,
  3. ^ See: Haikyuu!! Edit by @sunnykiyoomi_mybeloved with the volley ball, Lord of the Rings Edit by @aprilore with the ring,
  4. ^ See: Hunger Games Edit by @yunojix with Peeta Mellark as 'the gun', Hannibal Edit by @sillywillgraham with Will Graham, Hannibal Edit by @starrssin with Abagail Hobbs,
  5. ^ https://www.tiktok.com/embed/7397164047449279787


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