What do the irrepressible Quentin Tarantino and the newly minted Oscar winner Sean Baker have in common? Perhaps it’s their unmistakable style, one that you can’t confuse with anyone else, or the fact that both have received the prestigious Cannes Palme d'Or. All of this is true, but there’s one nuance, one story that ties these two geniuses together. It’s no coincidence that Tarantino himself announced Baker as the best director during the Oscars ceremony.
When Clint Eastwood himself announced Pulp Fiction as the winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes, the then-newcomer Quentin Tarantino made his way to the stage amidst an eruption of applause. However, not everyone in the audience agreed with the jury's decision. Whistles rang out, and one voice from the crowd shouted, "This is shit!" Despite the disruption, Tarantino remained unshaken. He first responded with a laugh, then made a defiant gesture before delivering his speech.
"It's fine, because I never expect to win anything at any festival I've gone to, where a jury has to decide. I don’t make films that necessarily bring people together. I kind of make movies that sweep people apart," he said.
To see the clear similarity between both filmmakers, just think of Anora — a story about a stripper who suddenly finds herself in a modern-day Cinderella situation. Her dreams of escaping and changing her life are shattered by harsh reality, showing her place in a world that doesn’t easily let go of its darker sides. The film includes inappropriate language, nudity, and violent scenes, pushing boundaries in a raw, unapologetic way. Much like Tarantino’s films, it explores the immoral and darker sides of society.
Tarantino's movies also dig into the darker aspects of life and human nature, with sharp dialogue and strange situations that add depth, blurring the lines between what's real and what's not. Both directors want to reveal the uncomfortable truths of life, challenging normal ideas with bold storytelling. Tarantino’s characters, like those in Anora, live in a world full of contradictions, where morality isn’t always clear-cut.
Much like the first reactions to Pulp Fiction, reviews and general audience feedback on Anora are sharply divided. Some viewers praised the film, calling it a fresh take on storytelling, applauding its boldness and unapologetic approach. Others, however, criticized the director for presenting superficial characters and failing to deliver a clear, meaningful message.
As we see, swimming against the current is never easy, but looking at Tarantino's journey, there’s hope that a similar fate awaits Sean Baker. Like Tarantino, Baker is uncompromising in his approach, never afraid to challenge conventional standards. He consistently dares to deliver the message he wants, regardless of whether it's shocking or pleasing to the audience. In the end, only time will tell where his fearless path leads, but one thing is certain — he will continue to defy expectations and push boundaries, just as Tarantino has done throughout his career.
