Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’: A deep dive into the making of a modern classic
Discovering the perfect Anora
Director Sean Baker has long been an admirer of Mikey Madison. His fascination began with her performance in the 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. However, it was her role in the 2022 horror flick Scream that solidified his decision. “I was in the theater next to my wife and producer, and I turned to her and said, ‘We’re calling Mikey’s reps the minute we leave the theater,'” Baker recalls. This moment marked the beginning of Madison’s journey to becoming Anora.
The collaborative spirit
Madison describes working with Baker as “the most collaborative experience” of her career. “While he was writing, we kept in contact and talked a lot,” she shares. “[He] obviously gave me permission to have lots of freedom with building the character, and I think we were both in a very similar mindset and had similar ideals for how we wanted the character to be.”
The genesis of ‘Anora’
The idea for Anora was conceived over 15 years ago, inspired by the Russian heritage of Baker’s longtime collaborator, Karren Karagulian. Initially, the focus was on the Russian American community in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. However, Baker’s growing interest in films about sex workers added a new dimension to the story. “We thought, ‘Oh, perhaps a young sex worker marrying the son of a billionaire would put us in that situation,'” Baker explains.
Bringing ‘Anora’ to life
As part of the Variety Studio at the Toronto International Film Festival, Baker and Madison, along with cast members Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Yura Borisov, discussed the making of the film. Anora follows a young New York sex worker who finds herself married to Ivan, the son of a Russian oligarch. Once news of their relationship reaches Russia, Ivan’s parents stop at nothing to end their affair.
The power dynamics in ‘Anora’
Baker’s interest in the power dynamics within the sex work world is a central theme in Anora. “I was interested in exploring the theme of the power dynamics within the sex work world,” he says. This exploration adds depth to the film, making it more than just a love story. It delves into the complexities of relationships, power, and societal expectations.
Watch the trailer
For those eager to get a glimpse of this compelling film, you can watch the trailer for Anora.
Final thoughts
Anora is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of exploring complex themes in cinema. With a talented cast and a director who is not afraid to delve into challenging subjects, the film promises to be a thought-provoking experience. Whether you’re a fan of cinema, TV series, or music, Anora offers something for everyone.