Films / Starlet

USA | Narrative Feature | 2012 | 103 min | Website

Director: Sean Baker
Premiered at SXSW 2012
Awards: Best Actress Basedka Johnson-Sundance
Film Source: Music Box Films
Contains nudity

The story of an unlikely cross-generational friendship between a porn star, 21 year-old Jane played by Dree Hemingway, (Ernest Hemingway’s great-granddaughter and Mariel’s daughter), and an 85 year-old widow, Sadie played by Basedka Johnson in her startling screen debut. Having recently moved to LA, Jane, an up-and-coming adult actress, attempts to befriend an elderly widow, Sadie, after she uncovers a hidden stash of money from a relic purchased at Sadie’s yard sale. Talented director Sean Baker tells the story in a naturalistic style that is provocative, unpredictable, and surprisingly poignant. Beautifully shot in the San Fernando Valley, Starlet doesn’t shy away from challenging material in ways that are surprising and powerful proving that director Sean Baker is an emerging filmmaker to watch. -S.G.