The Florida Project,a movie from Sean Baker, appeared onThe New York Times’list of the greatest films from the 21st century.Sean Baker, who directed one of thebest thriller movies of 2024inAnora, has helmed many critically acclaimed movies over the years. The filmmaker is one of the most underrated directors currently working in the industry.
Baker has been an impactful director ever since his feature filmmaking debut in 2000 withFour Letter Words. So, it is no surprise that his name occurs in theNew York Times’listof the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century. Of the many films made in the last 25 years, one of Baker’s movies appears on the list.
Baker is known for his emotionally charged and character-driven low-budget indie films that address sociopolitical concerns about the United States of America, especially the effects of late-stage capitalism on the country’s working class. One of the biggest representatives of the capitalist entertainment industry is Walt Disney World, where Baker shot the film that is on the list:
“A heart-rending portrait of childhood imagination and innocence amid poverty and marginalization in America.” – The New York Times
The Florida Project Is On The New York Times' List
It Is Arguably Baker’s Best Film
The Florida Projectfollows Brooklynn Prince’s Moonee as she experiences the highs and lows of the summer holidays with her group of friends and her financially struggling family members. It is a heart-wrenching, albeit bright and sunny, meditation on the impact of late-stage capitalism. Moonee’s family struggles to make ends meet against the flamboyant backdrop of Walt Disney World.
The New York Times'100 Best Movies of the 21st Century attempts to recognize the most influential, powerful, and well-made movies of the past 25 years. Some of the most popular names in Hollywood have been recognized by the list, and among them is Sean Baker, whose movie,The Florida Project, ranks 74th.
As the article on the website confirms,Anorastar Mikey Madison, who won the Best Actress Academy Award for the movie, voted forThe Florida Project. Most directors appear only once on the list, and Sean Baker is no exception, butThe Florida Projectbeing on the list is a milestone victory for indie cinema.
Many of the films in the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century are independent films.
Many of the films in the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century are independent films, which were made on low budgets and within tight schedules by passionate directors.The New York Timesis one of the most influential publications in the world, and the significance of being named on this list can hardly be exaggerated.
Our Take on The Florida Project Being On The List
Independent filmmaking will always be relevant
Sean Baker has made an indelible mark on cinema with his undying dedication to the art. He has continued to make independent films despite the rise of Hollywood productions today. The critical acclaim he receives, like his film being picked byThe New York Times, proves that there is still an audience for indie cinema that will champion it.
Walt Disney World was referred to as the Florida Project during its planning stages.
Guerrilla filmmaking is a dying art because of the moral conundrums and the difficulties it presents in a world of scrutiny and big-budget Hollywood productions. However, twomovies were secretly filmed in Walt Disney World, one of the flashiest and most popular vacation destinations in the world. The production crews demonstrated great passion in bringing such projects to life.
The New York TimesnamingThe Florida Projectas one of the best 100 movies of the 21st Century further establishes Sean Baker’s legacy as an independent filmmaker. It also demonstrates the undying relevance of independent cinema in a world where Hollywood productions dominate the box office and the award shows.
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It is heartening to see Sean Baker’s movie on the list, because he deserved to be included. A24, the studio that distributed the movie, has long been a champion of indie cinema, andThe Florida Projectis the perfect demonstration of both A24 and Sean Baker’s philosophy regarding filmmaking as a medium of commentary.
The Florida Project
The Florida Project is a drama film that follows a six-year-old girl named Moone and her mother, Halley, as they attempt to enjoy life to their fullest and make ends meet in the Disney-dominated county of Kissimmee, Florida. Halley and Moonee’s lives are fraught with distress while living in a motel. However, Moonee befriends another child in the motel while her mother struggles to keep them above water and hold on to her daughter as the risk of protective services taking her grows ever larger.
