By james art Warning: Minor SPOILERS ahead for Anora!
After the film quickly became one of the year’s best-reviewed for its mix of romance, drama and comedy, Mikey Madison and writer/director Sean Baker share some ideas for Anoragreat fight sequence. Baker, who previously directed famous films such as Red rocket and The Florida Projectteamed up with rising star Madison for Anoracast, which follows an exotic dancer who marries a Russian heir named Vanya (Mark Eidelstein). However, things get complicated when Vanya’s family disapproves of their marriage.
About halfway through the film, the disapproval of Vanya’s family leads to Anora’s surprise fight with several Russian henchmen. In an interview with Entertainment WeeklyMadison and Baker explained how they approached the brutal fight and while Madison admitted that “I got some bruises,” both director and actor stated how pleased they were with the outcome. Read their full quotes below:
Madison
: I think physique is so important for a character. Each character has their own specific way of walking and fighting. It’s something that I always have in the back of my mind and it’s really important to me. So I think Annie is very obnoxious and willing to just jump into the middle of a fight to get what she needs. But also, as an actor, I really liked that I was able to do all my stunts and not have an understudy. I think it’s important to see my face and for me, as an actor, to actually go through the motions to know what it feels like. it’s fun! I got a little bruised, but it was very exciting.Baker
: It was amazing to watch behind the monitor. Because when you rehearse it, it’s like quarter speed: “you’re going to do this, then you’re going to do that, and then the lamp goes down.” But it wasn’t until you saw it in action that I was just like, “They’re going to do it!” For Drew [Daniels]who is my amazing cameraman to be able to be so quick and quick to tilt the camera to get that smashing lamp and then come back to them? My God Watching this was just as exciting for me.
What did Madison’s participation in the great battle of Anora mean
This isn’t her first role involving stunts, but it might be her biggest yet
Earlier in the same interview, Baker emphasized how impressed he was with Madison’s performances in 2019. Once upon a time in Hollywood and 2022 screams. Immediately after viewing her intense performance as one of Ghostface’s killers in the screamsBaker knew Madison was perfect for Anora and turned to its representatives. This led to her participation in Baker’s latest project and receiving an Oscar for her role in Anora.
Connected
What Anora’s Name Really Means (And Why She Doesn’t Use It)
Sean Baker’s new film Anora is named after its titular character, and yet Mikey Madison’s character uses a nickname throughout. That’s why.
The fact that Madison is battling the likes of Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio on screen, in addition to portraying a ruthless killer in one of the most iconic horror franchises, is truly impressive. In just a few short years, Madison managed to stand out in several high-profile projectsand attracted the attention of many. Anora marks her first starring role in a major motion picture, and based on Madison’s impressive career thus far, it’s likely far from her last.
Our take on Mikey Madison’s Oscar chances for Anora
As mentioned, as more positive reviews for Anora are published, it seems more likely that Madison will be nominated for Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards. Many publications’ early predictions for the 2025 Oscars have Madison cited as likely to win a nomination and potentially even being a dark horse candidate to win. Regardless of whether Madison wins or is even nominated for an Oscar, the attention she receives for her role in Anora undoubtedly a great sign for her career.
Source: EW
Anora’s life takes a dramatic turn when she impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, catapulting her from the streets of Brooklyn into a world of luxury and attention. As her new in-laws arrive with plans to destroy the hasty union, Anora must navigate the cultural and social chasms between her past and her present. The film, directed by Sean Baker, masterfully combines sharp social commentary with heartfelt drama, painting a vivid picture of love, identity and the unexpected consequences of a fairy tale gone wrong.
- Director
- Sean Baker
- Date of issue
- October 18, 2024
- Studio(s)
- Cre Film, FilmNation Entertainment
- Cast
- Mikey Madison, Mark Eidelstein, Karen Karagulyan, Yuri Borisov, Vache Tovmasyan, Ivy Walk, Luna Sophia Miranda, Ross Brodard, Lindsay Normington, Daria Ekamasova, Emily Wider, Alena Gurevich, Masha Jacques, Paul Weissman, Charlton Lamar, Alexey Serebryakov, El la Rubin, Vincent Radwinski, Michael Sergio, Britney Rodriguez, Sofia Carnabucci, Anton Bitter, Zoe Vnak
- Execution time
- 139 minutes
- Writers
- Sean Baker
- character(s)
- Anora , Ivan , Toros , Igor , Garnik , Crystal , Lulu , Guard , Diamond , Galina , Nikki , Clara , Tatiana’s Housekeeper , Nick , Court Guard , Nikolai , Vera , Jimmy , Judge , Dawn , Jenny , Tom , Rachel