Anora, the winning film of the Cannes festival, is part wild comedy, part drama, a New York gangster and a surprising love story debunking sex work. American director Sean Baker tells the story of an erotic dancer named Anora, who falls in love with Ivan, the son of Russian rich people. She experiences an unusual and dramatic romance with him.
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21:17 October 30, 2024 Share on Facebook
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New Yorker Anora has an Uzbek grandmother. This is where her name comes from, although she herself prefers the more “inconspicuous”, ethnically indifferent version of the address Ani. She gets to know Ivan thanks to the fact that she knows a little Russian. In the club where she works, an underage young man takes a look at her, invites her to his house and “orders” her for a whole week for an amount that Anora never dreamed of.
Is this Anora’s way to a life of luxury and an easier future? Or even to an incredible happy ending full of love and happiness? For a long time, it seems so.
Anora and Ivan live a long party, get married in Las Vegas, and the news of the marriage reaches Moscow to Ivan’s oligarchic parents. They first alert their New York henchmen – one of them is an Armenian Orthodox priest – and then they themselves get on a private plane to the USA.
Porn actor, trans people and motel
Today, Sean Baker’s career is essentially a dream come true for American independent cinema. He has a remarkable history with films that show genuine concern for people on the fringes of mainstream society, whether they are minorities, the socially disadvantaged or sex workers. With them, he gradually established himself among the Oscar favorites and the highest festival award.
His previous film Red Rocket told the story of a porn actor (played by Simon Rex) who returns to his hometown when his career has collapsed. Either he will succeed in planning his return to the elite, or his character will show, or he will face his past.
Mikey Madison in Anora | Source: Cinemart
The Florida Project, perhaps Baker’s best film of 2017 so far, takes place in a motel on the outskirts of Florida’s Disneyland and stars a single mother and her six-year-old daughter. And the slightly older Transdarinka, filmed on an iPhone, was a story from the trans community with trans woman Sin-Dee in cumulative trouble.
Within reach of a children’s paradise. The Florida Project flees from bitter reality into a merciful ceiling
Read the article
Baker combines non-actors, little-known actors from authentic ethnic or social backgrounds with familiar faces such as Willem Dafoe in The Florida Project and Mikey Madison in Anora. After roles with Quentin Tarantino in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and in the horror film Scream 5, she shows that she has a wide range from creepy looks to fragile hope, hidden in a girl who realistically sees her chances in life and fights for them with sharp elbows.
The 138-minute Anora takes place in three uneven chapters, differing in pace, distinct environments of a club, a millionaire’s villa, New York streets and other places, but also in moods. Cinematographer Drew Daniels draws on the different colors of real locations and the action taking place at all hours of the day and night.
Baker alternates inspirations from Martin Scorsese and other “classics of the New York night” with sources in European social realist dramas, which are ultimately more important to the film than parallels to Pretty Woman, Cinderella and other “stories about women and their princes”.
Humanism according to Baker
Not only for Anora, but for Baker’s films in general, it is characteristic that these are often characters without a family life. The families from which the heroes and heroines came are, for more or less reasons, rather a thing of the past, they are very far away emotionally, but also in time or space.
Vache Tovmasyan in the film Anora | Source: Cinemart
Anora, like the director’s other characters, does not discuss her own life situation at length, but rather acts. It’s a director’s way of showing her vitality and indomitability, emphasizing their strength despite the circumstances. Anora, for Sean Baker, “grows like all who are forgotten,” in the words of the poet Paul Celan.
ANORA
tragicomedy
USA, 2024, 139 min
Direction and script: Sean Baker
They play: Mikey Madison, Mark Ejdelstein, Yuri Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Darja Ekamasova, Alexej Serebrjakov, Paul Weissman
And at the same time, it is a humanist narrative principle, avoiding the context supplied from the outside and empathizing with their life perspective: “I am you when I am.” Baker’s success lies in the fact that he can offer such humanism authentically, even if in the middle combines parts with a mainstream comedy line full of drugs, mistakes and missteps.
The three chapters of the film gradually add psychological layers to the main character and complete the portrait of her pragmatism, but also her idealism and overall transformation. Incidentally, Anora’s important counterweight is the hired helper Igor, played by Yuri Borisov, known from the films Coupe No. 6, Captain Volkonogov Has Run Away, The Flu Is Raging at the Petrovs, etc.
The discussed topic of sex work and the ability to merge the epic multi-genre mainstream with humanism, the impression of intimacy around the main character and the principles of independent production, rightly brought Anora to the position of one of the most admired and appreciated films of this year.
From the movie Anora | Source: Cinemart
The film Anora is playing in Czech cinemas from October 31, 2024.
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Ladies and gentlemen, grab your popcorn and settle in because we’ve got a film to discuss that’s just waltzed away with the Cannes crown — Anora!
Now, let me set the stage for you: Picture an erotic dancer named Anora, a glamorous New Yorker with a backstory that’s about as subtle as a sledgehammer. She’s got an Uzbek grandmother and, surprise, surprise, a name that’s as exotic as that odd smell in your old gym bag. But she prefers to go by ‘Ani’ — you know, because “Anora” sounds like an IKEA product that’s just a bit too fancy for the average shelf.
The director, Sean Baker, known for his knack for showcasing the fringes of society, takes us on a wild ride through Anora’s chaotic life as she inadvertently tumbles into a relationship with Ivan, the son of Russian oligarchs. Talk about a crossover episode — it’s like Cinderella meets The Godfather at from-the-gutter-to-the-baller setup. We’re not just talking about a rags-to-riches story; we’re throwing in some serious love drama, laughs, and even a dash of humanism because why not? It’s an emotional buffet!
Now, Anora’s lifestyle transformation begins when an overly eager young man — and let’s call him Ivan, not because that’s actually his name, but mostly because I can’t be bothered to remember it. This guy can’t wait to have a taste of the exotic; he “orders” Anora for a week! Is this a romance or an Uber Eats order gone terribly wrong? Either way, it helps her trade in her striper heels for a shot at luxury castles and lavish parties. Yes, she gets so much glitter and glam that even the Kardashians would be a little envious.
As we glide through Las Vegas nuptials and henchman-fueled parental drama, we realize one thing — if you thought your family was overbearing, wait until you see Ivan’s folks take a private jet across the Atlantic with a henchman that looks like he moonlights as an Orthodox priest. What a family reunion that would be!
Baker is known for blending poignant storytelling with real-world struggles, often featuring characters navigating life’s rough waters, and Anora isn’t any different. This film is composed of about three uneven chapters that flow smoother than a whiskey shot on a Friday night. Each scene appears to be dipped in different hues, expertly brought to the screen by cinematographer Drew Daniels. He manages to capture every shade of the nightlife, cast against the backdrop of real New York chaos that’ll have you questioning whether you’re still in a safe movie theater.
But then, there’s the subtext of sex work, woven into this mismatched rom-com. It’s like a two-for-one bottle of shampoo: lovely and complicated. Baker contends with this world through vibrant comedy while introducing us to characters who are fighting like gladiators in a ring that nobody else wants to step into. Anora might come off as the ultimate survivor, cut from the cloth of independence, filled with a healthy dose of idealism. But hold onto your hats because there’s an Igor in the mix! You’d think it was a horror flick with that name! But no, Igor’s just a hired hand casting a shadow next to Anora and watching over her through all the debauchery, with a bit of charm that’s oddly endearing.
So, if you’re looking for the latest sensation in avant-garde cinema, a narrative that celebrates liberty while swooping through the highs and lows of human aspiration — honestly, just drop everything and make your way to the nearest cinema showing Anora. It’s not just a film; it’s a full-course meal served with a side of unfiltered human experience — like a buffet where you might not love every dish but will definitely savor the variety!
Lights, camera, and action-filled memories await you. Enjoy the ride! 🍿
The film “Anora,” which clinched a prestigious win at the Cannes Film Festival, masterfully intertwines elements of wild comedy and gripping drama, ultimately telling a modern love story that challenges societal perceptions of sex work. Directed by the acclaimed American filmmaker Sean Baker, “Anora” revolves around the life of an erotic dancer named Anora, who finds herself unexpectedly falling for Ivan, the affluent son of Russian oligarchs. Their tumultuous relationship unfolds into an extraordinary romance characterized by its ups and downs.
New Yorker Anora boasts an Uzbek heritage, her name being a tribute to her grandmother. Despite this, she opts for the more understated name “Ani,” which she believes to be ethnically neutral. Her life takes a pivotal turn when she meets Ivan, a connection made possible by her basic knowledge of the Russian language. During her shifts at a nightclub, Anora is approached by a young patron who, beneath his youthful façade, offers her a lucrative deal for a week of companionship—an amount that surpasses her wildest expectations.
Anora’s fortuitous encounter raises pivotal questions: Is this opportunity an escape to a life of luxury and promise? Could it lead to an unexpected ending filled with love and joy? For a substantial period, the answer appears to be affirmative.
The whirlwind romance spirals as Anora and Ivan indulge in extravagant celebrations, ultimately culminating in a wedding in Las Vegas. The news of their marriage reaches Ivan’s parents back in Moscow, prompting a swift response from his family. In a dramatic turn of events, they dispatch their New York associates—including an Armenian Orthodox priest—before boarding a private jet bound for the United States.
Porn actor, trans people and motel
Sean Baker’s filmmaking journey has become emblematic of American independent cinema, showcasing genuine narratives that resonate with society’s marginalized groups, from minorities to sex workers. Laboring alongside these characters has solidified his reputation as a notable presence in the industry, earning him acclaim at film festivals and recognition as a potential Oscar contender.
With his previous work, “Red Rocket,” Baker delved into the struggles of a former porn actor striving to reclaim his place in the industry amidst the wreckage of his past, a reflection on personal redemption and the desire for reinvention.
The Florida Project, widely regarded as one of Baker’s finest achievements, unfolds in the backdrop of motels on the fringes of Florida’s tourist paradise, portraying the resilient bond between a single mother and her young daughter. Furthermore, his innovative film “Transdarinka,” shot entirely on an iPhone, offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a transgender woman grappling with her identity and societal challenges.
Baker’s artistic vision seamlessly blends non-professional actors and lesser-known talents, often hailing from authentic backgrounds, alongside more recognized names, including Willem Dafoe. Mikey Madison, who plays Anora, showcases her versatility, transitioning from her roles in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” to capturing the fragile determination of her character, who navigates life’s challenges with tenacity.
The expansive 138-minute “Anora” unfolds across three distinct chapters that vary in pacing and atmosphere, juxtaposing environments ranging from vibrant nightclubs to lavish villas and bustling city streets. Cinematographer Drew Daniels employs a rich palette drawn from the vibrancy of authentic locations, encapsulating the film’s dynamic life around the clock.
Drawing inspiration from cinematic luminaries such as Martin Scorsese, Baker cultivates a narrative style that marries the grit of New York’s nightlife with themes prevalent in European social realist dramas, ultimately transcending cliched notions akin to narratives like “Pretty Woman” or “Cinderella.”
Humanism according to Baker
Central to “Anora,” as well as Baker’s oeuvre, is the recurring motif of protagonists grappling with the absence of familial connections. The past relationships of these characters linger as distant memories, often overshadowed by emotional and physical estrangement.
In “Anora,” characters prefer action to lengthy discussions over their circumstances, embodying a vitality that underscores their resilience against adversity. Baker aims to depict Anora’s journey as one of empowerment and survival, capturing her growth as an emblem of perseverance amid neglect, recalling the poignant words of poet Paul Celan.
Characterized by a rich narrative tapestry, “Anora” invites viewers to delve into the protagonist’s psyche, uncovering layers of pragmatism and idealism while intensifying her transformation through the story’s unfolding chapters. Anora’s journey is intricately complemented by the character Igor, played by Yuri Borisov, whose portrayal enhances the film’s complexity with a contrasting presence.
The exploration of sex work intersects seamlessly with Baker’s thematic humanism, offering an intimate portrayal that balances mainstream entertainment with poignant independent storytelling. As accolades pour in from critics and audiences alike, “Anora” shines as one of the most lauded films of the year, celebrated for its multifaceted narrative and artistic vision.
The film “Anora” is set to premiere in Czech cinemas on October 31, 2024.
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