Tag Archives: Anora

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Song of the Day #6,080: ‘Dreaming’ – Blondie

Continuing my countdown of last year’s best films…

Best Films of 2024
#3. Anora

It’s kind of amazing that Sean Baker is seemingly on the verge of Best Director and Best Picture wins at this weekend’s Oscars. Here’s a fiercely independent filmmaker whose movies depict America’s underbelly, often focusing on sex workers ground down by the heel of capitalism.

I’m still wary that the Cinderella story will end with someone more traditional winning the prize. I’m reminded of when Richard Linklater’s Boyhood looked like it would capture the top awards, only to lose to Birdman.

Indie stalwarts don’t often get the storybook ending.

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Song of the Day #6,053: ‘Greatest Day (Remix)’ – Take That feat. Calum Scott & Robin Schulz

Sean Baker has a knack for opening his films with memorable pop songs. 2017’s The Florida Project kicks off with Kool & the Gang’s ‘Celebration’. In 2021’s Red Rocket, it’s NSYNC’s ‘Bye Bye Bye.‘ In both cases, the songs accompany the film’s opening credits in Baker’s signature Aguafina Script Pro font.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, I guess, because last year’s Anora uses the same approach to wonderful effect.

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