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Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’: A fresh musical twist sets the stage
Unexpected musical choice elevates ‘Anora’ opening
In Sean Baker’s latest film, “Anora,” a screwball comedy centered around the life of a sex worker, an unexpected needle drop captures the audience’s attention right from the start. The movie, already a Palme d’Or winner and a contender for several major awards, opens with a dynamic and vibrant scene set in a New York strip club. Here, Mikey Madison’s character, Ani, navigates the room, interacting with guests and leading them to the VIP area for private dances.
The perfect song: Take That’s ‘Greatest Day’
The choice of “Greatest Day” by UK boy band Take That to soundtrack this lively opening sequence is both surprising and brilliant. Released in 2008 after the band’s reformation minus Robbie Williams, this uplifting pop anthem adds an unexpected layer of emotion and exuberance to the scene. The duo performance between Ani and her colleagues against this musical backdrop caught the attention of critics and audiences alike at the film’s premiere in Cannes.
Serendipitous discovery
Sean Baker recounts the serendipitous discovery of “Greatest Day” as a pivotal moment in the film’s production. Driving through Los Angeles with his wife and collaborator, Baker pondered whether there was a song that could encapsulate the theme of Ani having her greatest day. This question led them to a joyful exploration on Spotify, where the discovery of Take That’s track felt almost preordained. Baker recounts that the song quickly became an earworm, seamlessly fitting into the film’s opening credits.
A history with pop anthems
This isn’t Baker’s first foray into utilizing pop songs that leave a significant impact. His film “Red Rocket” also features N*Sync’s hit “Bye Bye Bye” in its opening credits, setting the tone for a washed-up porn star’s return to his hometown. However, in this case, Baker had to work directly with the band for approval.
Conclusion: A perfect match
In “Anora,” Baker and his team chose to purchase the rights to “Greatest Day” without consulting Take That on their plans. This approach allowed them to maintain creative freedom in crafting the film’s unique tone. Baker expresses anticipation for the band’s reaction once they see how their song has been used to elevate Ani’s story.
By marrying unexpected musical choices with engaging storytelling, Baker has once again proven his ability to surprise and delight his audience. “Anora” is slated for release on October 18.
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