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Sean Baker is widely recognized as one of the most prominent directors in the indie film scene today, and his latest work, Anora, is receiving considerable attention as awards season approaches. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Baker shared his thoughts on the type of films he believes are lacking in modern Hollywood.
“What I really miss,” he remarked, “are the mature films that tell human stories without the need for explosions, superheroes, or horror elements. Where have they gone?”
He went on to mention notable filmmakers like Jonathan Demme, whose work includes classics such as Something Wild and Silence of the Lambs, as well as Robert Altman, known for films like Nashville, Gosford Park, and McCabe and Mrs. Miller.
“Where are those films nowadays? They seem to be in short supply,” he continued. “It’s important for audiences to remember that these kinds of stories deserve a place on the big screen, just as much as the major tentpole releases do.”
Baker emphasized, “If we could bring these films back, it would help support theaters and keep small, independent cinemas alive. We’re doing our best to make that happen.”
Known for his low-budget films like Tangerine and The Florida Project, Baker isn’t alone in his sentiments about the film industry. Veteran directors such as Martin Scorsese have voiced concerns, suggesting that Marvel films are overshadowing other genres in theaters. Other prominent filmmakers including Jane Campion, Francis Ford Coppola, and Oliver Stone have also lamented this trend.
Baker later clarified on X that he did not mean to criticize the horror genre. “Some may think I’m attacking horror films,” he stated. “I grew up enjoying horror movies and have great affection for them. What I expressed in the AP interview is a desire for studios to create more adult dramas alongside popular genres for theatrical distribution.”
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