Annie Baker Enters the Film World
Before starting filming on Janet Planet, Annie Baker and her sound designer, Paul Hsu, recorded two weeks of ambient noises from the Western Massachusetts countryside. Baker recalls how The sound of nature around this house was so incredible
, emphasizing the natural ambiance he aimed to capture in her cinematic debut. This film marks her transition from stage to screen, preserving sharp yet meandering dialogue and lush 16mm imagery.
Capturing the Essence of 1991
Set in Western Massachusetts during the summer of 1991, Janet Planet unfolds through three loose chapters focusing on relationships. The film stars Julianne Nicholson as Janet, an over-accommodating mother, and Zoe Ziegler as her daughter Lacy. One striking scene shows Janet and Lacy visiting a JCPenney store, offering a nostalgic glimpse into their lives.
A Newcomer’s Remarkable Performance
Zoe Ziegler’s portrayal of Lacy is nothing short of impressive. The film highlights moments like Lacy creating dioramas using doll-like objects Lacy likes to put her hands around objects that are the size of doll furniture on miniature dioramas
, which adds depth to her character. Such scenes reflect Baker’s personal touch, as she noted in interviews that these dioramas were inspired by her childhood creations.
Intimate Moments Between Characters
Baker’s cinema debut captures emotional moments between characters, particularly exemplified by Julianne Nicholson and Sophie Okonedo’s heartfelt hug
. Such instances emphasize the deep connections shared by the cast. Notably, a poignant interaction shows Janet comforting Lacy after receiving troubling news from summer camp.
The Sound of Nature
Baker’s dedication to natural soundscapes is evident throughout Janet Planet. Alongside Paul Hsu, she recorded ambient noises such as rustling papers and scraping chairs over two days, layering them meticulously over the visuals to create an authentic audio experience without a traditional score.
A Tribute to Influences
Baker draws inspiration from filmmakers like Maurice Pialat and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. A nod to Pialat’s unflinching realism, reminiscent of the critically acclaimed L’Enfance Nue, can be felt throughout the movie.
A Unique Mother-Daughter Dynamic
In exploring adolescent experiences and maternal relationships, Janet Planet offers insights into Baker’s thoughts on generational love. As Nicholson explains, I used to watch my mom get those long hugs from so many people… It made me sick!
, reflecting a child’s possessive love for their mother.
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