Sean Baker’s next move: Exploring new cinematic horizons
A director’s journey post-Palme d’Or
After achieving the prestigious Palme d’Or for his film Anora, Sean Baker finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. Speaking at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Baker shared his thoughts on the impact of this accolade and his future aspirations. Winning the Palme d’Or, he believes, will enable him to continue creating films on his own terms, with budgets similar to that of Anora. “It puts me in the place where I want to be,” he remarked, emphasizing that he has no intention of venturing into major studio projects or Marvel films.
The essence of Baker’s storytelling
Baker’s filmography, including titles like Red Rocket and Tangerine, often delves into the lives of sex workers. However, he is quick to clarify that his films are not about sex per se. “I am definitely interested in sex but haven’t had the opportunity to make a sex movie yet. I made sex work movies — films about labor,” he explained. His primary goal is to depict how sex intersects with livelihood, rather than to arouse the audience.
Future aspirations: An erotic film?
While Baker is open to the idea of creating an erotic film in the future, his current focus remains on portraying the realities of sex work. “Someday, I’d love to make an erotic film where the intention is to turn the audience on, but now the interest is to show how sex is involved in actual livelihood,” he added.
The challenges of filmmaking in the U.S.
Despite his critical acclaim, Baker finds the filmmaking landscape in the U.S. to be challenging. He acknowledges that his work holds “little commercial value” and that he doesn’t prioritize casting A-list actors. “My films may have an A-Lister or a neighbor I thought was appropriate for the role,” he noted.
The art of casting
Casting is a crucial aspect of Baker’s filmmaking process, a responsibility he shares with his wife and producer, Samantha Quan. “Casting is the number one thing. It will make or break your movie,” he asserted. The duo constantly scouts for new talent through contemporary titles, street casting, and even Instagram. “It is the credit I am most proud of,” Baker said.
The making of Anora
Baker had long contemplated a film about the Russian American community in Brooklyn, but it was only after seeing Mikey Madison in Scream that he envisioned Anora. Madison joined Compartment Number 6 breakout Yuriy Borisov and Baker’s longtime friend Karren Karagulian early in the project’s development. Baker spent six months writing the film with these actors in mind.
Playing with audience expectations
A hallmark of Baker’s films is the twist that redefines characters midway through the story. “In my films, usually about an hour in, there is a twist of some sort that makes you reevaluate the character entirely,” he explained. This approach keeps the audience engaged and challenges stereotypes, allowing viewers to connect with characters whose lives are vastly different from their own.
Political reflections and audience reactions
Discussing the political undertones in his work, Baker highlighted the varied reactions to The Florida Project. The film’s portrayal of a single mother raising her daughter in a Florida motel elicited polarized responses from American audiences. “In the States, our media can be extremely partisan, and I had people with extremely opposing views on the mother,” he observed.
A nod to Spanish cinema
Addressing a predominantly Spanish audience, Baker expressed admiration for Spanish filmmakers like Eloy de la Iglesia and JA Bayona. He singled out Pedro Almodóvar, whose work has significantly influenced him. “Sometimes I try to push the envelope, but [Almodóvar] already did it. He gave me permission to go to places I probably wouldn’t go,” Baker said. He noted the impact of Almodóvar’s Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! on his own work, particularly Anora.
Looking ahead
As Baker continues to navigate his career post-Palme d’Or, his commitment to authentic storytelling and innovative casting remains unwavering. His films challenge audiences to see beyond stereotypes and connect with characters on a deeper level. With future projects on the horizon, including the potential for an erotic film, Baker’s journey in cinema promises to be as compelling as his films.
For more information and to watch the trailer for Anora, visit Anora.
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