Red Rocket, another intriguing film by Sean Baker, and another deep dive into a perpetual cycle of human suffering under the weight of stagnant, never-ending "same." Yet somehow, the film itself is anything but stagnant, pulling the audience into the interior madness and motion of the insular reality. This time there is a bit more humor and potential relief up front, but consistent with the style, evolution and filmography of the budding auteur. This is absurdist cinema at it's finest ("Cinema of the Absurd"- copyright me, 2021 - insert crooked grin here).
Personally, I think it is a fantastic film, and I was fully enthralled throughout the screening at this years Virginia Film Festival, but I feel that way about most of his work. I have no doubt that many contentious discussions will be held around this film, and likely have already begun. There is plenty of room to explore here. The nature of vérité, subject matter, ethics and exploitation are all ripe and appropriate for discussion, which just makes it all the more fascinating. Nothing like a film that spawns passionate and differing perspectives.
