The American Humanist: The Influence of the Dardenne Brothers on Sean Baker

Artists naturally want to create unique work, but that may not be possible. As Jim Jarmusch said, “Nothing is original…. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this your work (and theft) will be authentic.” One director who appears to be following this advice is Sean Baker. The imprint of many of his predecessors is on his filmography, most notably Belgium’s Dardenne brothers. Their focus on the lower classes is clearly an inspiration, as is their filmmaking style; yet Baker’s films remain his own, and his voice feels timely and powerful in Trump’s America.

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