Why The Florida Project should be on your Oscars watch list.
(Even though its not nominated.) Growing up a movie obsessed kid in a small town there was one night of the year that summed up everything magical and untouchable about film, and that night is Oscar night. I quickly came to regard the mysterious Oscar committee as some saint like group of film appreciators and experts, kind of a collective movie god. Now, at twenty seven I find myself questioning their choices and wondering if in all their cinematic wisdom they may have missed, or for some reason, alien to my mind, left out a few of the years shining examples of the ever popular art form. With this years glitzy and sometimes gleefully awkward evening fast approaching, I, like many others made the Oscar movie marathon my weeks priority. As I rattled my way through the options there was one that caught my eye from the very release of its trailer, capturing my inner movie geek with its pallet of pastels and compositions laden with candied buildings encasing poverty and tangible humanity. Oh and Willem Defoe is in it! It is to be said that this is a strong year, with many varied options hitting the glass top of the academies table of attention. And, with the nominees announced they were indeed bold, and rightly so, even refreshingly so. Jordon Peele and Greta Gerwig’s nominations uniting everyone, it would seem, in genuine appreciation. Oh and Willem Defoe! He made it to the table and straight to the best supporting actor role call. It is, however, to the best picture category where my attention is drawn. For the most part its a great list, a solid and mixed list of big and small, new and dab hands, but there is a space that remains empty. With only nine of the ten slots filled, I would like to argue that last space, that gaping hole in the penultimate category should be graced with the candy colours and vibrant reality of, yes you guessed it. The Florida Project. Directed by Sean Baker, whose previous work includes Tangerine, shot solely on iPhones to tell the story of two transgender prostitutes, Baker takes his delicate yet fearless approach to real people and real problems from his first feature to his next set. This time telling the story of a young mother and her daughter living in a motel on the outskirts of Disney Land. The setting providing an achingly stark reality of worlds so close yet worlds apart. This time he’s swapped iPhones for cameras and he, and his cinematographer, have captured a world so in touch with its main protagonists; the kids who rule this land, the imagery presented is capable of awakening the audiences inner child. The casting is worth mentioning, as not all the cast are professional actors. The lead female was spotted via instragram, and despite the lack of experience, Bria Vinaite brings an undeniably raw and organic performance. She plays most of her scenes off of Willem Defoe whose creative generosity towards his rookie colleagues features in every frame. It is , for me, a masterclass of playing the supporting role. But, as previously mentioned it is the kids who rule this motel and steal our hearts, lead with boundless exuberance by Brooklyn Prince. She’s one to watch, now and for the future. It is, a real shame she’s not gracing the best actress category this year. So, incase there is any doubt The Florida Project is a cracking film, sporting an ending so touching, exhilarating and rightfully abrupt it will leave you gasping for air and thirsty for more. I rest my case.
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AuthorI'm an actor and writer living in Manchester. I have a lot to say. Archives
November 2018
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