As a seasoned movie critic who’s spent countless hours immersed in the celluloid world, I must say that Sean Baker continues to impress me with his unique storytelling and unwavering commitment to authenticity. His latest work, “Anora,” is yet another testament to his ability to tackle taboo subjects with a deft hand, weaving narratives that are both captivating and thought-provoking.
Following his triumph in securing the Palme d’Or for “Anora,” it seems that Sean Baker has other creative ventures in mind. An erotic film could be one possibility, yet a big-budget production from a major studio does not seem to be on the horizon.
At the San Sebastian International Film Festival, where my Cannes breakout title found its latest stop, I shared my thoughts. Winning this prize will empower me to carry on creating the films that resonate deeply within me, in the style that feels authentic to me, and to secure budgets similar to ‘Anora.’ This positioning allows me to stay true to my artistic vision without aspiring for a Marvel film or studio collaborations. Those aren’t my objectives; I simply wish to remain where I am creatively fulfilled.
Although “Anora” joins Baker’s collection of narratives revolving around sex work, such as “Red Rocket” and “Tangerine”, the director is hesitant to label his movies as explicitly about sex. He admits he has an interest in sexual themes but hasn’t found the right opportunity to create a film centered on sex yet. What he has produced are films focused on labor, or work within the sex industry. While these movies might stimulate some viewers, their primary intention is not to arouse, but rather to explore the nature of work in this context.
One day, it would be fascinating for me to create a film with an explicit sexual theme, aiming to arouse viewers, yet my current goal is to depict how intimacy plays a role in everyday life.
Even though Baker is experiencing one of the peak moments in his career, he continues to find filmmaking in the U.S. challenging, as he believes his work has minimal commercial appeal despite receiving significant critical recognition. He doesn’t typically consider casting big-name actors for his films; instead, his productions might feature an A-lister or a suitable neighbor for the role.
In Baker’s world, selecting the right actors for his films is crucial, a task he now shares with his wife and producer Samantha Quan. He believes that “casting is paramount; it can either make or break your film.” They are always on the lookout for fresh talent, scanning contemporary movies and relying on street and Instagram casting as well. This recognition of finding the perfect actors is what Baker is most proud of in his career.
For many years, Baker had been contemplating a movie that centered on the Russian-American community in Brooklyn. However, it wasn’t until he saw Mikey Madison in “Scream” that he was certain the film should be called “Anora”. Madison later joined forces with Yuriy Borisov, who gained recognition from the hit “Compartment Number 6”, and Baker’s long-time friend Karren Karagulian during the early stages of development. After this, it took Baker approximately six months to pen the script, tailoring it to suit these three actors.
During the production of “Anora,” Baker emphasized the significance of manipulating the viewers’ assumptions about his character development. “Typically in my films,” he explained, “around the hour mark, there’s a surprising turn that forces you to reassess the character entirely, and this is crucial because it keeps the audience intrigued. Isn’t it exciting to challenge stereotypes? Not everyone fits the mold you expect, and it’s delightful when the audience forms connections with characters they never anticipated, individuals whose lifestyles are vastly different from their own. That, in my opinion, is the essence of a compelling narrative.
When talking about politics, the director pointed out the diverse opinions about “The Florida Project,” specifically regarding its main character, a single mom raising her six-year-old daughter in a Florida motel. He noted that American media can be highly partisan, and people held very contrasting views on the mother. It was fascinating to observe this divide. The film received praise from Democracy Now and Ben Shapiro as well.
Addressing a predominantly Spanish crowd, director of “Tangerine” expressed his admiration for Spain’s filmmakers extensively. He particularly acknowledged Eloy de la Iglesia and JA Bayona, with the latter’s “Society of the Snow” being his favorite movie of 2023. However, among all Spaniards, it is Pedro Almodóvar, who recently won the Venice Golden Lion, whose work has had the greatest impact on the American filmmaker.
At times, I strive to venture beyond boundaries, but Almodóvar beat me to it. He opened doors for me that I might not have dared to explore myself. Upon entering NYU, my understanding of global cinema was limited. That very year, ‘Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!’ was released, and its impact is evident in ‘Anora.’ I believe Almodóvar has watched the movie, as he’s expressed appreciation for it.” The filmmaker ended with a smile.
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2024-09-21 16:47