Starlet

Starlet is a character study very much in the spirit of films from the 70s. I think the director was influenced by the likes of Hal Ashby and Paul Mazursky.

A young, slightly aimless woman who has just moved San Fernando Valley, buys a vintage thermos flask at a yard sale from a cranky old lady and discovers $10.000 inside. After making a half-hearted attempt to give it back, she keeps the money, but then feels guilty and tries to befriend the old woman, who remains guarded to the point of hostility at the prospect of having her life disrupted.

The film doesn't ever resort to cosy indie movie clichés about the old passing on their wisdom the the young and life lessons being learned. It also doesn't exploit the young woman's line of business for cheap melodrama, as lesser films would. Both lead performances are wonderful and a cute dog always helps.

The film looks and sounds gorgeous and the director has a knack for what to show us and what to leave out. It's another good case for digital film-making. Talented independent film makers can now make great looking films for peanuts, which is just as well considering Hollywood has almost completely given up on making films for adults.

BTW. the trailer makes this look like another anodyne "heart warming" indie, full of laughter and whimsy, when really it's a much more melancholy, ambivalent and subtle film.

STARLET (dir. Sean Baker) When 21 year old Jane discovers $10,000 in cash stuffed in a thermos that she bought at an old woman's yard sale, she tries to do the right thing and return the money. However, the old woman didn't know about the money (her long dead husband might have hidden the cash), so Jane befriends elderly Sadie in order to pay off the karmic debt. Because Jane's unusual occupation is not revealed until the film is almost half over, her illicit employment does not affect the natural relationship that grows between the two woman. A fine Independent film, and Dree Hemingway (Jane) and Besedka Johnson (Sadie) deliver exception performances. It must be mentioned that Jane's pet Chihuahua in the film is powerfully cute! Worth A Look.

A touching look at an unlikely relationship between an adult film star (Dree Hemingway) and an elderly widow (Besedka Johnson), one that starts when the former discovers $10,000 stuffed into a vase she's purchased at the yard sale of the latter. Feeling guilty, she initially attempts to return the money, but soon settles into doing favors for her, despite encountering prickliness and suspicions that she's a scammer.

It's an offbeat story, perhaps exploring the ways in which kindnesses are exchanged, and the tug between looking out for oneself and forming friendships. The young woman has a friend/roommate/fellow porn star (Stella Maeve) who uses her as much as she is used by her creepy boyfriend, and in contrast to her beauty, has some really ugly outbursts, including hurling a racial slur and erupting at her friend. The performances feel organic and wonderful throughout the cast, including little moments like with the makeup artist or the shy fan at the film expo. It was astounding to me that 85-year-old Johnson was discovered by Sean Baker in a gym and appeared here in her only film role.

As with all of Baker's work, there is a deep streak of humanism and great care to avoid judgement, and along the way we get glimpses into the porn industry and senior bingo nights. The ending comes out of left field and is a reminder that people are carrying around pain that we'll often ever know, a profound moment in an otherwise subdued, yet satisfying script.

Our story starts with a young woman, Jane (Dree Hemingway), going to yard sales in search of items to brighten her drab bedroom. She meets an older woman named Sadie (Besedka Johnson)who sells her a thermos. Jane discovers that it contains about $10,000. This is the jumping off point for the story of Starlet.

The entire film is a story of revelation. We follow the natural progress of the women's lives and the development of their relationship. As they learn about each other, the viewer learns about the entirety of their lives. Jane is a cheerful woman who embraces life with a smile. Sadie is rather gruff and distrusting. The contrast in their personalities is rather a reverse of the Harold & Maude story (which the director cites as an influence).

Some of the revelations are mundane, some are surprising. Through it all, the unlikely pair forges what might be a friendship. The film is about the nature of friendship. What does it mean? Does it entail responsibilities as well as benefits? What are the commonalities necessary for friendship?

The director, Sean Baker, seeks cinema verite. The result feels like a slice from the lives of two distinctly different women. One is at the beginning of her adult life, the other is at the end. But neither has a real family, so there may be common ground after all.

Meslissa Maeve is a standout as Jane's roommate, Melissa. And a special mention should go to Boonee who plays Jane's dog, Starlet (actually the pet of the director) and steals some scenes.

The last revelation comes in the final scene. It is a scene much discussed on the message boards. Personally, I loved the scene. It is beautiful and revelatory at the same time.

Sean Baker is one of the great filmmakers of our time, and I have immense respect for his work. I first discovered him through "Red Rocket," which captivated me and led me to explore his entire filmography. His unique storytelling style and authentic portrayals of complex characters drew me in, and "Starlet" is no exception.

"Starlet" is a beautifully crafted film that delves into the lives of its characters with depth and sensitivity. The storyline, while seemingly simple, is rich with emotional undertones and explores themes of connection and vulnerability. Baker has an incredible ability to showcase the overlooked aspects of people's lives-those moments that are often ignored by mainstream cinema.

The film follows the unlikely friendship between a young adult film star and an elderly woman, revealing layers of their personalities and their struggles. The chemistry between the actors is genuine, and their performances are both heartfelt and compelling. Baker's direction allows them to shine, creating a space where their characters can be real and relatable.

What I appreciate most about Baker's work is his commitment to authenticity. He gives voice to characters that society often marginalizes, presenting them in a way that is both respectful and thought-provoking. The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of their lives, enhancing the storytelling without overshadowing it.

"Starlet" is more than just a film; it's an exploration of human connection in its many forms. It invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the complexities that come with them. This film is a testament to Baker's skill as a storyteller and his ability to illuminate the human experience.

If you haven't seen "Starlet" yet, do yourself a favor and watch it. It's a film that stays with you, encouraging you to think deeply about the stories that often go untold. Sean Baker continues to impress, and "Starlet" solidifies his place as a master of modern cinema.