One director in particular that I have grown fond of, is Sean Baker. I first saw one of his features back in 2017. It was 'The Florida Project' at my first visit at the Leeds International Film Festival. I then caught up with his breakthrough feature 'Tangerine' and his style really suits me. Baker seems to focus on the dirtier side of America with less fortunate communities in the hotter states of America. Most of the characters are not likable. But they managed to be highly engaging and make for some highly entertaining viewing experiences. Also, his films are usually beautifully shot with bright colour palettes.
Also, if any film that begins with a cheesy early 2000's pop song, that can win me over. That's what this film does.
Once again, we got more despicable characters and yet Baker and his team manages to make them incredibly engaging with their charm and charisma. Our lead does show some hope during the film. So there will be a part of you that does want them to succeed.
It portrays how showbiz America can manipulate small town America by making them believe in their dreams. But it is never done in a preachy way as this film is more of a character study and the manipulation aspect is more in the background.
I was surprised as to how funny it was considering some of the topics and industries it was covering. By the end, I was amazed at how it still managed to make me thoroughly satisfied with what I saw.
The star of show is Simon Rex. He gives an absolute tour-de-force performance. Even though you know his character is up to no good, you cannot stop watching him. The energy he brings and the determination you see in him makes you 100% invested to see how his story arch will conclude.
Suzanna Son also gives a breakthrough performance. Her level of charisma almost matches Rex's in their scenes together.
It's not just Rex's performance that is worth mentioning. The entire cast do a great job and the way they hint at certain characters backstories, you feel that you can easily make a film on each of them and it will be as entertaining.
The cinematography by Drew Daniels fits Baker's style perfectly. Long tracking shots, sunset backgrounds with silhouettes in the foreground and making the most rundown and industrial places look magical.
While I was immersed in it, it did feel a bit too long. It's just over 2hrs and this type of story didn't need to be that lengthy. But they made up for it by still grabbing my attention.
Also, the only issue I have with Baker's films is here in this one, and that's the editing. The abruptness in its cuts is just not for me and I doubt this will disappear in any of his future projects.
This is another Baker feature that I really enjoyed. I don't know how Baker does this, as the topics he is covering and the industries he is focusing in this film are not mainstream friendly and could be borderline dodgy. However, he manages to constantly flirt with it and never makes you feel ashamed of enjoying it. Yes this is not for everyone. But it is the type of story you rarely see these days and that is why I get more and more excited when a new Sean Baker film is being released.
He also makes you appreciate this part of America. The characters are never there to be made fun of because they are not as well off as others. They are shown to have kindness and consideration despite also behaving like their surroundings suggest.
What makes Baker's films so watchable for me is that I feel it is showing the real modern America. While it is still trying to distract you with the sugary coatness that shows signs of the classic American dream, beneath it is sweat, dirt and unlawful people.
You can tell Baker has done his research in every department and it came with high reward.
Rating: 8/10
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