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Red Rocket is a fascinating look at a charismatic dirtbag. Simon Rex is brilliant, transforming his layered role into a mesmerizing force. Eccentric characters often grow tiresome with excessive screen time, but Rex delivers complexities that enrich the experience. Meanwhile, Sean Baker turns another rejected citizen into a well of enlightenment. Rex isn’t sympathetic, but themes of sexuality, exploitation, and manipulation are explored deeply here. On both a micro and macro level, Red Rocket studies how these dynamics work between individuals as well as the systems that encourage them. Plus, Red Rocket’s grungy appearance makes it all the more thoughtful.
In true Sean Baker fashion, the filmmaking of Red Rocket is minimalistic and genuine. This creates an immersive atmosphere that is both heartfelt and artistic. As usual, Baker brings out the humanity in even his most detestable subjects. Both the cinematography and editing are natural and free, giving the film a slice-of-life feel. The sound and production add to this, with rundown looks and industrialized noise. Lastly, the music is masterfully utilized to bookend Rex’s cycle of destruction. Overall, Red Rocket is an explosive combination of acting and direction that will leave viewers with plenty to digest.
Writing: 10/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.7/10
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What I love about Sean Baker’s films is how surprisingly deceiving they are. While on the surface they depict everyday individuals in regular, simplistic settings, complexity and deep rooted issues swim below. This is what resonated with me as I watched Red Rocket.
This film is visually stunning thanks to Drew Daniels. Like The Florida Project, playful pastel settings and brightly coloured donuts plaster over the complex intentions of Rex’s character and the bleak reality of the Texas town. The cast was also really interesting. Bree Elrod, Brenda Deiss and Ethan Darbone created such a perfect balance in this film through their ability to portray characters that have a great sense of authenticity yet a lack of drive in comparison to Simon Rex’s character Mikey, who ultimately makes up for this with his visions of excelling in life. Both Simon Rex and Suzanna Son are truly charming and constantly had me trying to decipher their character as a whole. I didn’t know whether to support or condemn their behavior or actions, which is what made this film so engaging.
What made this film so exciting was the conflict I experienced with ambitious ex-porn star Mikey Saber. Through both Simon Rex’s incredible portrayal of Mikey as both a child-like yet determined individual and such a well written script by both Baker himself and Chris Bergoch, I developed a fine line between being so frustrated with his qualities yet also feeling a great sense of love for his energetic nature.
At times I felt a bit lost in the storyline, especially when Rex's character Mikey embarked on his endless spiels about his porn career, but yet again this also highlighted his sense of hope for reinvention, whether that be good or bad. One thing I will say is I absolutely loved the ending… I will keep it at that because I will not be revealing anything!
Again, like all of Baker’s films, the slice of life story follows a culture many never intend to break down and explore. It makes cinema new and exciting. Films like this certainly need more recognition.
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