This week, I went to see the Sean Baker directed independent film The Florida Project. Now the name Sean Baker should be familiar to those in the class because he was mentioned at least twice in two timelines. Mostly for his work in the film Tangerine which made headlines for its use of the iPhone as the primary shooting camera. In this new film however Baker has chosen to shoot in 35mm film.

In short, the film set over the span of one summer in Florida near the vacation resorts of Disney World, follows the life of 6 year old Moonee as she lives with her single and rebellious mother, Halley, in a brightly-colored motel managed by the serious but caring, Bobby. The plot of the film does not really have a set structure as we mostly just get glimpses of Moonee’s life in and around the motel, which houses many impoverished Floridians.

After watching the film, I realized that many aspects of the film were very reminiscent of Italian Neorealiam: nonprofessional actors, on location shooting, themes relating to the poor and lower working class, episodic rather than linear narrative, documentary style.

nonprofessional actors: The majority of the cast in this film are first-time nonprofessional actors who were cast by Baker to bring a more authentic feel to the film. Halley, played by Bria Vinaite, was cast by Sean Baker after he found her through Instagram. Some of the kids were cast as Baker saw them while in local Targets and motels.

on location shooting: The film was shot around the Disney World area of Florida were there really are many homeless Floridians living in brightly-colored motels looking to attract the passing tourist. There is even a scene in the film, shot on an iPhone, that was shot inside of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

themes relating to the poor and lower working class: Although there is not much of a linear plot there is one consistent theme throughout the film and that is the struggle of those living in the motel to pay their rent. The film focuses a lot on the everyday struggles of those Floridians living paycheck to paycheck only able to afford living in cheap motels.

episodic rather than linear narrative: As I stated before, there is not much of a linear plot but rather we are treated to various episodes in the summer adventures of Moonee and her motel friends. The film does this so that we can get a better feel for the way that life is for the people living in these motels.

documentary style: The film is shot in 35mm film but Baker shoots the film in long takes that usually follow the children. These takes are meant to bring us closer into this world and at eye-level to the kids makes us connect more to the characters.

Overall, The Florida Project is one of my favorite films of the year as it captures a moment in time in which the fantasy of Disney World can not overshadow the realities of homelessness in Florida.