By james art Written by Kai Tanella. Photos courtesy of SCAD Savannah Film Festival.
“Anora” was screened at the Lucas Theater on Tuesday, October 29. Since its release, it has garnered abundant critical acclaim and is expected to make waves during the awards season. It has so far won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival (the highest award given to a director), and recently won 4 Gotham Awards, including Best Feature Film and Best Actor. This is nothing new for writer/director Sean Baker, who has created a handful of critically acclaimed films such as The Florida Project, Tangerine and Red Rocket. Much of Baker’s work revolves around the humanization of sex workers, and she always describes a unique (and often affecting) look at the niche of the American livelihood.
“Anora” tells the story of Anora “Annie” (played by Mikey Madison), a young prostitute born in Brooklyn who meets, falls in love and impulsively marries the spoiled son of a Russian billionaire. When his parents find out about their union, they send their “henchmen” on a wild chase all over New York to annul the marriage.
Maddison’s sassy and intelligent performance by Anora leads a group of touching performances and the film really gives her a chance to showcase her talents as an actress. While she no doubt shines in the film’s overstimulating moments (i.e. when she screams, fights, or even rides through Vegas in a drug-fueled haze), she demonstrates deep anguish and sadness with equally devastating ease. While I may have some criticisms of Anora’s characterization and development (or lack thereof) in the script, Madison’s portrayal made her even more fleshed out.
There is a clear delicacy and love for both this lifestyle and the characters on screen. Baker’s script weaves through wacky comedy, teenage romance, and heart-wrenching tragedy in an artful and intelligent manner. The audience reception was electric, the room filled with laughter and gasps that were well deserved, and I had a great time, especially during the first hour of the film.
While the film is obviously expertly crafted in every way, I can’t comfortably write a review without mentioning the cinematography (credit to Drew Daniels). Similar to the way Sean Baker moves tastefully across genres, Baker and Daniels work together to create a completely compelling style by blending filmmaking techniques. This especially shines both during the billionaire college parties and even on the scenes in the strip clubs, where the audience itself feels like a partygoer.
Mikey Madison led a very classy and wise Q&A before the screening and received the Breakthrough Award. In Clayton Davis’ Q&A with Madison, she had some beautiful things to say about sex workers and how she feels “enlightened” after doing some research into this lifestyle/profession. She also gave us some amazing advice which was to always be a “student” and always be willing to learn within your craft.
