Anora
Sean Bakeris one of the most original and exciting representative in cinema decently now , but some of his moving-picture show stand out more than others . Baker , who ’s finally been Oscar - make for Best Director , has become noted for his good-hearted depiction of sex proletarian . From the titular escort inAnorato the retired porn mavin inRed Rocket , his characters break free of the common archetypes that hold the portrayal of sexuality workers in the media and present touching portrait of three - dimensional human beings .
Baker ’s movies do n’t travel along traditional plot with inciting incidents and external conflicts ; they ’re character studies jab deep into the complex psyche of blemished people , many of them trade with sexuality workers in a sympathetic and humanizing way . With their loose storytelling and naturalistic dialogue , Baker ’s moving picture enchant real liveliness a lot more in effect than most of his peers . FromTangerinetoThe Florida Project , Baker has direct some truly great movies throughout his life history .
8Four Letter Words
Released In 2000
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Baker ’s debut feature introduced his singular comic sensibility and his ear for naturalistic dialogue , but all his subsequent celluloid would be even good . Four Letter Wordsis an authentic look atthe lives of disillusioned unseasoned adult male living in American suburbia , butit ’s not particularly original ; this kind of thing has been visualize in plenty of other movies .
It feels more like Baker trying to make something akin to film producer like Richard Linklater and Kevin Smith rather than something that feels his own .
There are certain stylistic choices and the immersive " cinema verite " style Baker became known for to be found along with his sense of humor underlie the history . However , it feels likea topic matter and characters that Baker is n’t entirely enthrone incompared to his posterior moving picture . It feels more like Baker trying to make something akin tofilmmakers like Richard Linklaterand Kevin Smith rather than something that feels his own . Baker at long last found his corner and pioneer a more idiosyncratic representative in his later films .
7Starlet
Released In 2012
Baker start his cinematic geographic expedition of sex work inStarlet . Starletdepicts the unconvincing friendly relationship that blossoms between 21 - yr - old adult celluloid lead Jane and 85 - year - old widow Sadie after Jane encounter a cache of cash in a vase sell by Sadie at her yard sale . Dree Hemingway gives a staggering carrying into action in the lead role and shares delicious on - screen chemistry with Besedka Johnson that really sell the flick ’s cardinal relationship .
Starletis the perfect pairing of story and setting ; it deftly contrast genuine human connexion with the fake involvement of erotica . Coming out to solid reviews before Baker really broke out in the indie prospect , Starletfeels likeBaker is really starting to develop his vocalisation and manner , albeit at bottom of a more ceremonious story . It is not a groundbreaking ceremony picture , but mixes humor and heart in a satisfying agency .
6Prince Of Broadway
Released In 2008
Prince of Broadwayrevolves around a New York hustler whose sprightliness is upend when his ex shows up with a Logos he never do it he had . Baker ’s movie have always been quite good at capturing a specific feeling of a place and Baker is able to dead charm the chaos on the streets of New York here . It is also a beautiful and heartfelt story of a father stepping up to face his responsibilities .
After producing , writing , organise , and editing the Oscar - winning Anora , Sean Baker has localize an unbelievable Modern record at the Academy Awards .
Despite what the premise might suggest , Prince of Broadwaymakes it clear that Baker is not a film producer who is unforced to swear on well-to-do clichésto tell a story . It is a riveting modern geographic expedition of parenting that is not covered in many movies . Though not really the fault of the moving picture , the low budget means that it is not as visually interesting or boldly made as Baker ’s film that followed .
Custom Image by Colin McCormick
5Red Rocket
Released In 2021
As Baker ’s reputation in the movie diligence protrude to produce and he became known as an indie filmmaker who could capture the human experience , he seemed ready to cue audiences that he was also a very funny creative person withRed Rocket . Baker ’s tale of a retired adult film starreturning to furbish up the burn bridges in his hometown is one of his funniest movies . Simon Rex give a bang-up performance in the lead role , lean hilariously into the theatrical role ’s most unlikable qualities for a savagely honest characterization of a washed - up smut wizard .
In the backwash of Baker ’s grow visibility , the more straightforward comedic elements ofRed Rocketwere somewhat of a disappointment . While certainly a comic moving picture , it lacked the deepness or heart that has become expectedin Baker ’s piece of work . However , it is a hilarious ride with a deeply blemished protagonist . Many multitude might not be on board with the character , but Rex ’s performance makes it absorbing to keep abreast him .
4Take Out
Released In 2004
Baker ’s secret plan - light , role - heavy centering on slice - of - aliveness report began with his 2d feature , Take Out . Take Outis a societal - realist drama following a Chinese eating house ’s delivery manas he discharge off intellectual nourishment around an Upper Manhattan vicinity . Take Outalso found Baker ’s preference for contrast unlike sides of the class water parting . The harsh realities of Ming ’s workings - class life history are juxtapose with the luxury of the wealthy people he serves nutrient to .
Take Outhas a 100 % evaluation onRotten Tomatoes .
Take Outportrays the immigrant experience more accurately and aboveboard than most of Hollywood ’s attempts at representation . The pic was Baker ’s first to be co - guide by someone else , as he partake the duties with frequent collaborator Shih - Ching Tsou . While this gives the motion-picture show a distinct feel , more documentary film - like than even his other flick , there are still touches that prompt you this is a Sean Baker motion picture .
3Tangerine
Released In 2015
Tangerinechanged LGBTQ+ cinema foreverwithits compassionate portrayal of transgender characters . Set on Christmas Eve , Tangerinefollows a sex worker ’s effort to track down her boyfriend and pimp after learning that he ’s take an involvement . Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor give glorious performances in this intoxicating twenty-four hour period - in - the - life funniness . For a picture show shot on iPhones , Tangerineis visually arresting — and the use of hand-held cell earpiece gave the cinematography a zippy , industrious feel .
The film help to set up Baker as a new indie film darlingas it serve as a reminder of how kinetic and exciting a flick can be disregarding of the budget or the filmmaking equipment on hired man . However , the motion-picture show also slows down for some quieter moments that are just as impactful and show the heart Baker maintain in all of his projection . Tangerinewas nominated for four awarding at the Independent Spirit Awards , including Best Feature and Best Director .
2Anora
Released In 2024
While still very much an indie moving-picture show , this is the one that has really establish Baker ’s name as one Hollywood needs to be paying attention to . Anorais really two movies wheel into one , and they ’re both great . The first one-half is a crazy romantic comedy about an escort impulsively marry a rich Russian oligarch ’s Word , then the second half is a Coen pal - style law-breaking caper about the city - panoptic search for the oligarch ’s son when he flees the panorama .
Anora is a significant awards season performer , excruciate up wins from various festivals , ceremonies , and critics chemical group onwards of the Oscars .
The first one-half sweeps the audience up in a whirlwind romance , then the second half deliver all the belly laughs of a classical farce . The ending ofAnoracompletes Ani ’s tragical journey with a sobering snap back to world . It gain for the kind of motion picture Baker feel like he has been building to for years . as well , it also feels like the one that connected with audiences the most , leading to itshistoric Oscar victory , winning five Oscars . Baker himself went home with four for the motion picture , a first in Oscar story .
1The Florida Project
Released In 2017
WhileAnorais Baker ’s most noted movie , many feel thathis true masterpiece isThe Florida Project . The Florida Projectsatirically contrasts the needy residents of a motel with the hub of glorified consumerism — the think “ Happiest Place on Earth ” — right across the street . It ’s a modern - day reimagining ofThe piffling Rascalsthat views financial grimness through the innocent eye of a child .
It is odd and touching , but can also be heartbreaking at times . It all feels bona fide thanks to the lifelike performances by non - actors .
Brooklynn Kimberly Prince ’s unbelievable performance perfectly captures the pleasure of childhood , andThe Florida Projectbuilds to a truly poignant final scene that take the whole thing full forget me drug . Not quite a coming - of - age account , it is more a look at the reality of the American Dream through the eye of a child . It is odd and affecting , but can also be grievous at times . It all feels authentic thanks to the rude performance by non - actors . And yet Willem Dafoe give a bright Oscar - constitute plunk for performance that tie it all together .
What’s Next For Sean Baker?
give his history - making win at the Oscars withAnora , it makes sense that there are plenty of people wondering what Sean Baker ’s next movie will be . While the filmmaker does have a new project already lined up , it is not one in which he will be in the director ’s professorship . rather , Baker will service as editor and carbon monoxide gas - writer ofLeft - Handed Girlwhich will be organize by Baker ’s frequent collaborator Shih - Ching Tsou . The movie follows a unmarried female parent and her two daughters who spread a stand in a night marketplace in Taipei .
As for Baker ’s next directorial effort , that expect could be longer . In terms of his other moving picture , Baker has typically taken between two and four years in between projects . WithAnorajust come in out and no word on anything in output at the moment , it seems like 2027 is the earliest fans could expect anything . However , Baker did confirm there are ideas for a new movieand it would once again involve a sex prole ( viaVariety ) .
