TANGERINE is one of the comedy-drama films that will go on as one of the classic films as it is warm, funny, and it tackles the technicality of what constitutes a film to be great, and the performances from the both trans actresses need to be applauded, this indie hit film is also a must-watch.
Sean Baker (Prince of Broadway, Starlet) might sound unknown to you—me too, probably due to how little of indie films that are coming here. But with this film, he made a breakthrough. Produced by the Duplass Brothers, Baker created a film that is so profound to many people, and the critics. The story is about two best friends, both trans sex workers (I had to specify this as it makes sense to the plot), Sin-Dee (Kitana "Kiki" Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor) whose in search of Sin-Dee's boyfriend who are cheating on her. They both embark on a crazy, one-day journey together despite of Alexandra wanting "No drama" at all.
Vulture called this film "everything an entertaining, old-fashioned, mainstream Hollywood comedy should be but no longer is," which can't be said truer, as because of the fresh take on the screwball comedy that Hollywood used to be so good at. This film also tackles the awareness for the sex worker industry by Baker calling the critics to not call them "prostitutes". What fascinates me from this is because of the fact that it's shot entirely by iPhone 5S, making the film to be much more refreshing.
And praises need to be said to the lead performers. Kitana "Kiki" Rodriguez and Mya Taylor. They were both amazing, breathtaking. I love the way they're communicating in the film, they're both friends in real life and both first-time actresses. Mya Taylor said to Baker, that she wants the film to show the brutality of the daily life for trans sex workers like them, and it has to be funny. The film is both funny, genuine and beautiful, not just because of Baker's skilful direction and the great performances, but also because of how the three of them collaborating on the film to be a personal story for them. A must-watch for you all.
Watch the conversation with Sean Baker, Kitana "Kiki" Rodriguez, and Mya Taylor below:
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