An Uncut Vision

Good morning Consumers, This is Please Consume, the newsletter that loves movies more than Harrison Ford loves crashing planes. 

Honestly, I can’t believe it’s taken us this long to do an A24 week.

And with the release of Priscilla, it’s the perfect time to take a look at the films we love from this studio.

With so many hits to choose from this was a harder task than expected, but we’re stoked about the ones we chose.

So without further ado here are our selections for A24 Week!

Red Rocket (2021) - A Celebration of A24's Unique Approach

Written by Tyler Clark

A24 has taken the world of cinema by storm in the past decade and Red Rocket is yet another testament to their unparalleled approach to filmmaking. Let's explore three aspects that make Red Rocket and A24 stand out.

An Uncut Vision

A24's reputation revolves around its consistent collaboration with exceptional directors, both established and up-and-coming. The studio boasts a remarkable lineup of filmmakers, from newcomers like The Daniels and Ari Aster to seasoned veterans like Sofia Coppola and Paul Schrader. Among these talents, we find Sean Baker, the mastermind behind Red Rocket.

Baker has earned legendary status in the world of independent cinema. While many of his contemporaries venture into nameless blockbuster productions, Baker remains firmly rooted in the independent sphere. His journey began with works like Four Letter Words and Take Out, but it was his 2013 film, Tangerine, shot entirely on an iPhone, that propelled him to greater recognition. His collaboration with A24 on The Florida Project, which earned Willem Dafoe an Oscar nomination, further solidified his status.

Baker is a fascinating filmmaker with his classical style, wide angles, long takes, abrasive editing, in-camera zooms that can leave you in awe, and a penchant for transgressive subject matter (which we will get to shortly, don't you worry). Baker uses all these elements to celebrate the medium of film without letting it become stagnant.

Rehab

One of A24's remarkable achievements in recent years is redefining the relationship between actors and their audiences. This transformation began when Adam Sandler delivered an Oscar-worthy performance in Uncut Gems, only to be frustratingly snubbed. The trend continued as Brendan Fraser and Michelle Yeoh won Oscars for their roles in The Whale and Everything Everywhere All at Once.

But why discuss this in the context of today's film? While it doesn't star someone at the level of Adam Sandler, it does feature Simon Rex, known for his roles in the “movie movies" like Scary Movie, Date Movie, and Superhero Movie. These films, characterized by post-Zucker/Abrams parody, are more like a series of sketches written by your cousin's 15-year-old son that rips cigs behind the garage at family reunions.

At first glance, Baker's decision to cast him may seem unconventional, but a closer look at Rex in movies and interviews reveals a surprisingly observant man who is equal parts charisma and jitters. Mix that with Rex's past life as an actual porn actor, and you have the basis for a great story.

Baker has a history of building movies around his stars, as opposed to the more traditional "write a script and find someone to embody it" method. We see this in some of his other works, such as Tangerine.

Baker likes to collect interesting people. There is even a remarkable story of the other star to come out of this film, Suzanna Son, getting the role after Baker saw her at a movie theater and found her interesting, offering her a part for a movie he hadn't written or even conceptualized and which would take a decade to come to fruition.

But this is the mind of someone like Baker, who knows that, much like Andy Warhol's screen test series, some people simply leap off the screen with inherent charisma. The only question left is how to harness and channel it effectively.

Take it There

A24's fearlessness in tackling transgressive topics and taboos is commendable. Red Rocket is a prime example of their audacity. The film follows a former porn star who returns to his Texas hometown after being disillusioned by Los Angeles. He moves back in with his ex-wife and mother-in-law and manipulates those around him to gain an advantage in his pitiful existence. His manipulative targets include his ex-wife, a low-level drug kingpin, a neighbor who looks up to him, and a 17-year-old girl named Strawberry, whom he seduces into the porn industry.

It's crucial to note that depiction and endorsement are not one and the same. Red Rocket explores the dark aspects of self-absorbed individuals who prioritize their own desires. It offers a critical perspective on the modern American dream and reflects what we've chosen to prioritize as a society. Mikey is a representation of what we've become, not what "we were founded upon." For bonus points, when you watch the film, pay attention to who is always on their TV, and you can easily extrapolate meaning from that.

Today’s Scene

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