MacArthur Fellow Annie Baker, renowned playwright and theater director, has recently made her directorial film debut with 'Janet Planet,' a tender exploration of the mother-daughter dynamic. Best known for her award-winning play 'The Flick' and her Pulitzer Prize for drama, Baker's venture into film brings forth a story she has been contemplating for years.
Crafting 'Janet Planet' amidst the early stages of the pandemic, Baker completed the script in December 2020. However, her connection to this project runs much deeper. She reveals, 'I've been thinking about writing this story, which explores a very particular kind of love, for a long time – even from my college years, with sparse notes that I had.' This deep emotional connection to the material adds an authentic depth to the narrative.
'Janet Planet' follows the story of 11-year-old Lacey, portrayed by Zoe Ziegler, as she struggles with the impending separation from her mother, Janet, played by the talented Julianne Nicholson. Set during a summer in Western Massachusetts in the 1990s, the film explores Janet's life as a single mother, capturing her relationships with friends and romantic interests through Lacey's perspective. The movie delves into Lacey's evolving perception of her mother, from undying admiration to a subtle sense of detachment.
For Baker, who herself hails from Western Massachusetts, the local landscape played a crucial role in the creative process. 'Shooting in Western Massachusetts felt non-negotiable. It was just so intrinsic to the movie that it'd be in this place. All the extras are people from my town, and they feel and look a certain way – that was important to me.' The intimate connection to the region adds an authentic and relatable element to the storytelling.
Furthermore, the chosen time period, the 1990s, holds particular significance for Baker. 'I did not want to be overly nostalgic. I wanted to convey the feeling I remember '91 having, of things being very detailed and specific when you're a kid. Time moves very quickly or glacially – I wanted to convey some of that elliptic quality time can have,' she explains. Not relying on mere sentimentality but capturing the essence of childhood experiences, Baker adds a unique and intricate depth to the narrative.
Transitioning from theater to film opened new avenues for Baker, who admitted feeling nervous about directing actors on film with limited rehearsal time. However, the experience proved to be liberating. 'I found it liberating to shoot with actors on film, sharing ideas and trying scenes differently,' she reveals. Baker emphasizes her love for the collective endeavor of filmmaking and the accidental beauty that arises organically without rehearsal. Her exploration of the medium allowed her to embrace the unknown and find her nascent aesthetic.
With her directorial film debut receiving international attention, Baker looks forward to future projects. 'I'm excited to make a second movie. To me, film, especially celluloid, is a very spiritual medium, so I think in my film writing I like to continue returning to questions of providence or divinity accidentally. The next, however, is set in winter with a smaller cast,' she shares. Eager to expand her artistic horizons, Baker's passion for exploring philosophical and existential themes shines through her work.
'Janet Planet,' produced by A24, BBC Film, and Present Company, is set to make its international debut in Berlinale's Panorama. Thrilled by the prospect of connecting with audiences beyond her home country, Baker expresses her excitement, saying, 'I'm most interested to see if the film takes on a slightly more abstract quality for international viewers, feels less literal, which I think is probably a good thing.' Her aspiration for the film to resonate on a universal level further affirms Baker's commitment to storytelling that transcends borders.
Annie Baker's venture into the world of film with 'Janet Planet' exemplifies her talent and versatility as a creative force. Embracing her personal connection to the story, Baker masterfully captures the nuances of the mother-daughter relationship against the backdrop of a specific time and place. With this debut, she solidifies her status as a talented storyteller capable of crafting narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. As she embarks on her next project, audiences can eagerly anticipate witnessing Baker's continued exploration of profound themes and her evolution as a filmmaker.
