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As Cinderella is the name of the princess story with a happy ending (let's face it, the Disney effect on the ‘collective unconscious’ is undeniable) that every little girl has grown up with. And everything would be fine, if only it all ended there, with just another fictional story. But no, it has become an integral part of the romanticised and idealised representation that many women around the world possess. And what's worse, it's not just women who are the protagonists. Men are also part of it, and Anora, as a film, as part of its plot, takes that premise on board and destroys it completely?
Within the catalogue of films with a chance of winning an Academy Award, Anora is undoubtedly the most complete representation of originality. This is not to say that the other films fail to achieve this subjective goal, but rather that they lack (in my opinion) the elements of creativity, artistry, cinematography, screenplay and direction that I find in this surprising (for the better) feature film that I can't put into two words... Some would link it as a comedy-drama, others as a comedy-tinged fiction, but the truth is that in its almost 2 and 15 minutes of running time, the film crosses 4 different film genres. Go and see it.
No spoilers. It's one of my must-have values when it comes to reviews. However. Anora is a different film because of the powerful way in which it is directed. Without knowing it, or perhaps without admitting it, we have all been Ani at some point in our lives. Struggling day by day against the economic and social realities we are prevented from. Spending our youth and beauty on being more productive? And obviously, when a shortcut comes into our sight, we hesitate; instinct tells us that it is a danger and that we should not accept it but it is so strong the temptation to leave where we come from, to also be loved and respected.... Oh, our little Cinderella...
Behind the longing for a better life and the opportunities to finally enjoy and get pleasure without giving sacrifices in return. Anora describes and conveys a very wide power of emotions and feelings. Laughter, lust, anger, nerves, fear, scepticism, indignation, catharsis. All in a short time. Without being a mess. In a typical and classic linear chronology but with love, passion and a majestic execution that is noticeable from the first shot with which the film opens to the last. Personally, it did me a lot of good to watch this film. I connected a lot with Ani, I understand her too well...
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Visually, the film is a beautiful piece of work. Humanly, the character of Anora and Igor (a very Carl Jungian hero archetype, but one that gives the film an unimaginable richness) bring a closeness to us, the audience. In the end, the world of fantasy and luxury and power is so far away from most of us, let's be honest.... It is not at all difficult for us to imagine, empathise, dream and even get angry like Ani, Anora... By the way, I would love to talk about the ending of this film but I just implore you to go and see it. Wherever you are, but go see it. It's a post-pandemic masterpiece. Sorry to disagree with Tarantino (whom I love and admire) but cinema didn't die in 2019.... Anora is the hope of this art.
