Casting unknown actors gives films an authenticity
“Give Me Liberty”: Kirill Mikhanovsky’s riotous dramedy about one chaotic day in the life of a medical services van driver in Milwaukee beautifully captures America’s true diversity and the human connections that can be found among all the noise. Home video, Jan. 28
“Mickey and the Bear”: Camilla Morrone turns in an outstanding performance as a young woman grappling with her father’s PTSD and substance abuse in a small Montana town in Annabelle Attanasio’s assured directorial debut. Home video, 2020
“Watson”: Potentially the best and most underseen environmental documentary of the year, “Watson” tells the wild life story of eco-warrior and Greenpeace cofounder Paul Watson, who went on to patrol the seas with his interventionist style of environmental protection with his Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. With an urgent message and stunning photography, it leaves a lasting impact. Animal Planet
“Knife + Heart”: Yann Gonzalez’s discodrenched giallo-style slasher set in the world of Parisian gay porn in the 1970s offers Vanessa Paradis her best role in years and is the kind of cinematic eye candy you won’t soon forget. Plus, an electro-pop score by Gonzalez’s brother, Anthony Gonzalez of M83. Kanopy, Shudder, VOD
“Little Joe”: Jessica Hausner’s menacing flora thriller is part “Frankenstein” and part “Bunny Lake Is Missing,” impeccably designed and shot, scored with barking dogs and minimalist flute pieces by Teiji Ito. Emily Beecham’s performance feels of another era, both modern and retro, much like the film itself. VOD
More, please: Nontraditional casting. Two of the best films this year, “Give Me Liberty” and “Uncut Gems,” feature breakout performances by previously nonprofessional actors in their first roles: Julia Fox, who was found on Instagram, and Chris Galust, who was scouted in a grocery store. Jennifer Venditti cast both films, and she’s known for her street casting and outsidethe-box choices, having also cast “American Honey,” “Good Time” and HBO’s “Euphoria.” The array of new and different faces and talents brings a real sense of discovery and authenticity to these projects.
Enough already: Reverse-engineering a film around what producers think fans want (or demand) is one way to sap all the life out of art.