Tangerine

*This weather in L.A. doesn't help to set the holiday spirit. *There's no Christmas without snow. *Christmas is Christmas regardless of the weather. *Feels fake. Los Angeles is a beautifully wrapped lie. *Agree to disagree.* My favourite "alternative Christmas film" (yes, I know Mysterious Skin is in my top 4 and should count, but there's no way I'm willingly playing it for a holly jolly Christmas). Just a wonderful time watching this. I know some people don't love Sean Baker's work, but I've always been a fan and Tangerine is possibly my favourite of his films I've seen so far. Rest in peace to the talented James Ransone, who portrays the ridiculous character of Chester in this film with a level of humanity that you wouldn't quite expect for his comedic archetype. He was likely the most recognisable actor in the cast to audiences, and does an incredible amount with his 10 or so minutes of screen time. The world of cinema will remember him fondly as a fantastic performer. Such an incredibly beautiful film shot on iPhone way before the advent of Apple Log or the over-processed and over-sharpened looks of modern iPhone cameras. A wonderful grit to the image, where the overbearing noise only compliments the narrative and tone of the film. I forgot about the booming electronic soundtrack, especially in that first half. Seeing Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor walking around LA to those loud ass beats is enough to make anyone get excited. Not quite a Christmas in summer on account of it being in the Northern Hemisphere, but I did think this was a wonderful Christmas movie that doesn't portray an aesthetic that really connects to people's perceptions of what Christmas is visually. No snow, no red and green highlights, but the film doesn't make you forget it's Christmas. The uncanny feeling of Christmas in a snowless, winterless city is one I've experienced my whole life, and it's always weird.