POP UP CINEMA BRIGHTON

Just before creating Anora—his Palme d’Or and Best Picture Oscar-winning triumph—Sean Baker delivered what we believe is the funniest, most insightful, and most entertaining film of his career. While Anora and acclaimed titles like The Florida Project and Tangerine (yes, the one shot on an iPhone) have justifiably earned him a place among the most exciting voices in American cinema, it’s Red Rocket that deserves more attention.

 

The film tells the story of Mikey Saber, a washed-up adult film actor, con artist, and all-around hustler who returns to his South Texas hometown after 17 years. Barely tolerated by the locals who remember him, Mikey embarks on a chaotic journey fueled by charm, manipulation, and a string of increasingly poor decisions that make for a concerning yet compelling rollercoaster journey through America at ground level.

 

Red Rocket (like Baker's other works) raises hard questions about the American dream, through its darkly humorous sensibilities, and its staggeringly beautiful cinematography, add to that an electrifying and exceptionally clever performance from Simon Rex, and Baker has created one of the most surprising movies of recent years. For our money, the critical acclaim and awards showered on Anora could just as easily have gone to Red Rocket—perhaps Baker’s most daring, thought-provoking, and masterfully executed film to date.

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A joy to watch on the big screen,​ *This screening will also be followed by an optional and informal post film discussion group.*