STACK #246 April 2025

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SEAN BAKER

Sean Baker is one of the most important filmmakers of his generation, breaking into the mainstream with low-budget, minimalist films. His fifth film, Tangerine , marked his breakthrough, shot entirely on an iPhone. Since then, he has earned numerous accolades, including this year’s sweep of Oscars. Let’s explore the trademarks that define his work. Street-level storytelling Working exclusively in independent cinema, Baker focuses on marginalised communities, exploring stories that often go untold. He frequently casts real people from the streets or surrounding environments, grounding his films in realism and authenticity. Bright colours There’s no better example of Baker’s use of vibrant colours than Anora , which captures New York City’s neon-lit nightlife with stark beauty. As seen in Tangerine and The Florida Project , his natural approach to colour enhances the immediacy and

APRIL

Toy Story. The idea of toys having their own lives and friendships was super cool and plus it had a perfect mix of humour and heart. It’s

always stuck with me.

’ s ROVING REPORTER

What’s one of your all-time favourite films, and why? I’m chucking an MCU film in here. Avengers: Infinity War . Having a cinema experience like that, with a bunch of other fans, watching all these characters from different films come together with the events that happen was stunning. What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? Parks and Recreation . It’s super funny and has such a great cast with good chemistry. The characters all grow on you. Plus, so many memes that still get used to this day have come from the show. What have you been watching lately that you’d recommend? I’ve just recently got into Yellowstone after having so many customers in store recommend I give it ago and I understand why. The story lines and characters are what sucked me in. I highly recommend it!

authenticity of his storytelling. Low budget guerilla

MITCH PORTOLESI @ JB Mile End, SA

Working with modest funds, Baker favours a handheld style and small crews, creating a quasi-documentary aesthetic that authentically captures his subjects in their natural environments.

FUN FACT/ TRIVIA

What’s the best thing about working at JB? The people. Having worked in many stores over the last seven years my favourite thing is the people I’ve met, that make everyday unique and fun.

Mikey Madison would not have won the ‘Best Actress’ Oscar for Anora without the Scream franchise and Quentin Tarantino. As

What’s a movie you saw as a child that has left a lasting impression on you?

Baker mentioned in his ‘Best Screenplay’ acceptance speech, he first noticed Madison in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and later made up his mind to cast her in Anora after seeing her performance in Scream 5 .

QUIZ

pictures that got small ” is a famous line of dialogue from which classic movie? Q4 Who was the first person to win an Oscar for portraying a real Oscar winner? Q5 Which 1960s British pop group named their band after a John Wayne f ilm? Q6 Who portrayed the ageing rocker Billy Mack in a popular 2003 British movie? Q7 Night Bus was the original title for what multi

Oscar winning movie? Q8 Which actor was originally set to take on the role of Pike Bishop in The Wild Bunch but turned it down when offered a million dollars to star in a Paramount musical? Q9 This 1990 sci-fi drama featured the robotic “Johnny Cab”- title please. Q10 Which actor and actress and later husband and wife starred together in four 1940s classic movies?

IN DEVELOPMENT

Are you ready to return to Middle earth? The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson is, once again, with two new live action films in the works. 24-years since his original film, Jackson returns as producer, while Andy Serkis is attached to direct The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum , set during the events of The Fellowship of the

Q1 Which is the only movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock to have won a ‘Best Picture’ Oscar? Q2 In which 2015 movie does the main character get stranded on Mars? Q3 “ I am big, it’s the

Ring . Originally slated for 2026, Warner Bros. has delayed the release by a year to refine production. Committed to expanding the Middle-earth saga, the studio has yet to reveal the title of the second planned film. This is super exciting news!

MARCH 2025 (Issue 245) ANSWERS - A1. The Defiant Ones (1958) A2. Heart of Darkness A3. Trouble Along the Way (1953) Dean played a football spectator A4. The Lost Boys A5. The French Connection (1971) A6. Donald Pleasance A7. Gene Hackman A8. Get Carter (1971) delivered by Michael Caine A9. The script:- in fact it was his first screenplay which he sold to finance his debut feature film Reservoir Dogs A10. Playing the same character as a young man (Don Vito Corleone and Obi-Wan Kenobi respectively)

APRIL 2025

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