Enora's win at the Oscars and the Palme d'Or marks the culmination of a decade in which director Sean Baker transitioned from a marginal producer to one of the most prominent voices in American cinema. Along the way, Baker has consistently demonstrated the same distinctive qualities. His films address themes of money and status, sex and freedom, emotions versus passion, all set against the backdrop of America's underbelly: the lives of sex workers living in squalid tenements, struggling to make ends meet. Rather than wallowing in the depressing nature of these starting points, Baker avoids melodrama. Instead, he highlights the resilience and strength of his characters. He observes their choices without judgment, with empathy but without unnecessary sentimentality. The result is a warm, human, and intimate film—while also being a sharp, thought-provoking social portrait. This month's program offers an opportunity to explore and enjoy Baker's early films.
Starlet
| 103 minutes
Twenty-something Jane finds money in a thermos bought from 80-year-old Sadie. A surprising friendship forms, but when Sadie learns Jane works in porn, she tries to help. In Starlet, Sean Baker explores Americana's backyards, offering a delicate portrait of friendship and redemption.
Sunday 13.04.25 | 13.04.25 20:30 | Cinematheque 2 | Cinematheque 2 |
