When people say it's easier than ever to make a movie that isn't hyperbole. Advancements in technology have made it a snap to shoot and edit an entire film, sometimes within the span of a few hours. Sean Baker has been at the head of this low-budget, do it yourself method, his latest film Tangerine, an absolute sensation at Sundance this year, was shot entirely on an IPhone using an $8 app. But that's not the reason why so many fell in love with it.
Audiences were taken by the film's boundless energetic, and the performances by its two leads, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, who happen to be transgender prostitutes. That the film only occasionally makes note of this fact is what helps set Tangerine apart, but it's also one of the most unique comedies you're likely to see. Here's the synopsis:
"It's Christmas Eve in Tinseltown and Sin-Dee (newcomer Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) is back on the block. Upon hearing that her pimp boyfriend (James Ransone, STARLET, "Generation Kill") hasn't been faithful during the 28 days she was locked up, the working girl and her best friend, Alexandra (newcomer Mya Taylor), embark on a mission to get to the bottom of the scandalous rumor. Their rip-roaring odyssey leads them through various subcultures of Los Angeles, including an Armenian family dealing with their own repercussions of infidelity."
Could we be looking at a new holiday classic? Well, for some maybe. I caught the film at Sundance and was impressed with the style of it. Baker doesn't let the whole IPhone thing become just another gimmick. However, the two lead characters are only fun to hang around for a brief spell, and then their exploits around Hollywood become a drag.
Tangerine hits theaters on July 10th.
