Get ready to uncork some serious conversation, because on this episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, we're diving headfirst into Sean Baker's wild and wonderful "Anora"! And who better to help us navigate this intoxicating tale than special guest Nicholas Brown, a camera assistant with an impressive resume, including gigs on shows like The Righteous Gemstones, Halloween Ends, Outer Banks, and Mr. Mercedes! Nicholas is also the mastermind behind The Second Sticks Podcast and a co-host of Focus Puller At Work Podcast, so he knows a thing or two about the real magic that happens behind the camera – and perhaps, the real magic that happens after a few too many celebratory beverages on set! Joining Nicholas and our usual spirited crew are the fabulous hosts of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast: Kent Smith, our award-winning producer, director, and camera expert, who has worked on shows like Homeland, Mr. Mercedes, and Outcast, and feature films such as Tusk and Max. With his 5,000+ DVD collection and on-set experience, Kent brings a wealth of film knowledge and behind-the-scenes insights to every discussion. He's also the director of award-winning films like The Last Passport, Mike, and Little Package. Patrick G. Keenan, an award-winning actor known for his roles in The Blind Side, Homeland, and Tropical Cop Tales. Patrick, with his extensive filmography of over 61 films and stage experience, is a walking encyclopedia of film knowledge and never fails to bring the jokes and amazing wit to the show. Laura Truman, our resident film critic and old-school film collector, who brings her fantastic laugh on life and incredible film knowledge to the table. Having worked for years at a movie rental house and boasting one of the biggest film collections around, Laura has an uncanny knowledge of the film world, from the classics to the "bad b-films," and always delivers with sharp takes and a heavy pour of cinematic insight. And last but certainly not least, Carlisle "Squeaker" Hamrick, our "Audio Genius and the boy who hates everything." Squeaker is perhaps the smartest guy on the show, always bringing unique questions and a different perspective that comes from the heart, while also being delightfully grumpy and a passionate cinephile. "Anora" follows the whirlwind romance between Ani, a Brooklyn stripper, and Vanya, the ridiculously rich, slightly-too-young son of a Russian oligarch. It's a modern-day Cinderella story, if Cinderella's carriage was a private jet to Vegas and her glass slipper was a very expensive fur coat. We'll be clinking glasses and discussing how this seemingly fairytale romance quickly devolves into a hilarious, chaotic, and ultimately heartbreaking ordeal when Vanya's family gets wind of the impromptu nuptials. Think Pretty Woman meets a high-stakes, vodka-fueled chase scene through Brooklyn! We'll explore how Baker, known for his raw and authentic portrayals of marginalized communities in films like The Florida Project, takes us on a journey that's both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply poignant. We'll ponder questions like: How much alcohol does it take to truly fall in love (or at least convince yourself you have)? What kind of "adult beverage" pairs best with an unexpected, international annulment drama? And just how many shots do you need to forget you just married a Russian oligarch's son who's still playing video games during, well, everything? Our hosts and Nicholas, with their collective on-set experience and film knowledge, will offer us some fascinating insights into the craft of filmmaking that brings such a vibrant, chaotic world to life. We'll discuss the incredible performances, particularly Mikey Madison as Ani, and how the film manages to balance its screwball comedy elements with genuine emotional depth. So pour yourself a stiff one, because this episode promises to be a rollicking good time, with a splash of cinematic wisdom and a chaser of questionable life choices!
