Sallyann Livingston

Written by Sallyann Livingston

Modified & Updated: 13 May 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

32-facts-about-the-movie-tangerine
Source: Watch.plex.tv

If you’re a fan of independent cinema, chances are you’ve heard of the groundbreaking film, “Tangerine.” Directed by Sean Baker, this low-budget indie flick took the industry by storm with its unique story and raw depiction of life on the streets of Los Angeles.

But did you know that “Tangerine” was not only praised for its authenticity but also for its technical achievements? From its bold use of iPhone cameras to its incredible performances by a cast of mostly non-professional actors, “Tangerine” made a lasting impact on both critics and audiences alike.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the fascinating world of “Tangerine” and uncover 32 intriguing facts about the film, from its inception to its critical acclaim. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to be amazed by the extraordinary journey of “Tangerine.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Tangerine, a movie shot on an iPhone, tells the story of transgender sex workers in LA, celebrating friendship and shedding light on important social issues. It gained a cult following for its authenticity and powerful performances.
  • Tangerine’s inclusive representation of transgender characters and its vérité style of filming make it a milestone in independent filmmaking, paving the way for more unconventional storytelling and social commentary in cinema.
Table of Contents

Tangerine was released in 2015.

Tangerine is a film that was released in the year 2015, making it a relatively recent addition to the world of cinema.

The movie was shot entirely on an iPhone 5S.

Tangerine is widely known for being one of the first feature-length films to be shot completely on an iPhone. Director Sean Baker wanted to capture an authentic, gritty feel, and the iPhone allowed for a more intimate filming experience.

The story follows two transgender sex workers in Los Angeles.

The movie revolves around the lives of Sin-Dee Rella and Alexandra, two best friends who work as transgender sex workers on the streets of Hollywood, Los Angeles. They embark on a journey to find Sin-Dee’s cheating boyfriend and uncover the truth.

Tangerine explores the themes of friendship and forgiveness.

Throughout the film, the audience witnesses the deep bond of friendship between Sin-Dee and Alexandra, as they navigate the challenges and complexities of their lives. The story also touches upon the idea of forgiveness and redemption.

The cast consists of mostly non-professional actors.

Sean Baker intentionally cast mostly non-professional actors for Tangerine to bring an authenticity to the performances. The film features remarkable performances by Kitana Kiki Rodriguez as Sin-Dee Rella and Mya Taylor as Alexandra.

The movie showcases the vibrant culture of Los Angeles.

Tangerine provides a unique portrayal of the diverse culture and neighborhoods of Los Angeles, capturing the essence of the city and its inhabitants.

Tangerine premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

The movie made its debut at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim and put it in the spotlight.

The film received positive reviews from critics.

Tangerine received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative filmmaking techniques, powerful performances, and compelling storytelling. It holds an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Tangerine was shot in just 25 days.

Despite its limited budget and unconventional shooting methods, the movie was completed in a remarkably short time frame of 25 days.

The film’s score was composed by James Ransone.

Tangerine features a unique and captivating score composed by James Ransone, which perfectly complements the tone and atmosphere of the film.

The movie gained attention for its portrayal of marginalized communities.

Tangerine received recognition for shedding light on the struggles and experiences of transgender individuals and other marginalized communities often ignored by mainstream media.

Tangerine is a blend of comedy and drama.

The movie skillfully balances comedic moments with dramatic elements, creating a captivating and emotionally resonant story.

The film was inspired by actual events.

The story of Tangerine was inspired by real-life incidents that director Sean Baker observed while researching street life in Los Angeles.

Tangerine showcases the challenges faced by sex workers.

The film sheds a light on the hardships and discrimination faced by sex workers, addressing important social issues surrounding the industry.

Tangerine was highly praised for its authentic representation of transgender characters.

One of the standout aspects of Tangerine is its authentic portrayal of transgender characters, breaking stereotypes and providing a platform for transgender voices to be heard.

The movie emphasizes the power of human connection.

Tangerine highlights the importance of human connection and the resilience that comes from friendship and support.

Tangerine has a runtime of 88 minutes.

The movie has a relatively short runtime of 88 minutes, yet it packs a punch with its fast-paced storytelling.

Tangerine was shot using various iPhone camera apps.

Director Sean Baker utilized various iPhone camera apps to enhance the visual aesthetics of the film, adding a unique visual style to the storytelling.

The film’s unique visual style captured the essence of the streets of Los Angeles.

The unconventional filming techniques and the use of handheld shots allowed Tangerine to capture the vibrant energy and raw atmosphere of the streets of Los Angeles.

The movie tackles themes of identity and self-discovery.

Tangerine explores the journey of self-discovery and the search for identity, showing the complexities of the characters’ lives.

Tangerine was celebrated for its inclusive representation.

The film was highly praised for its inclusive representation of transgender characters, bringing much-needed visibility to this marginalized community.

Tangerine showcases the challenges faced by individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.

Through its honest and raw storytelling, Tangerine sheds light on the obstacles and discrimination faced by individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.

Tangerine received several award nominations.

The movie garnered numerous award nominations, including an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female for Mya Taylor.

Tangerine was a low-budget production.

Despite its low budget, Tangerine managed to create a visually stunning and emotionally impactful story.

The film’s dialogue was largely improvised.

One of the unique aspects of Tangerine is its largely improvised dialogue, allowing the actors to bring their characters to life in an authentic way.

The movie tackles issues of jealousy and betrayal.

Alongside its themes of friendship and forgiveness, Tangerine delves into the complex emotions of jealousy and betrayal.

Tangerine demonstrates the resilience of its characters.

The film showcases the resilience of its characters as they navigate through adversity and find strength in their bond.

Tangerine brings visibility to transgender actors.

By casting transgender actors in significant roles, Tangerine contributes to the representation and visibility of transgender individuals in the film industry.

Tangerine was shot in a vérité style.

The vérité style of filming adds a sense of authenticity and realism to Tangerine, immersing viewers in the gritty world of its characters.

The film’s script was co-written by Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch.

Sean Baker collaborated with Chris Bergoch to create the script for Tangerine, ensuring a compelling and engaging narrative.

Tangerine marks a milestone in independent filmmaking.

The success of Tangerine paved the way for more independent films to explore unconventional storytelling techniques and address important social issues.

Tangerine has gained a cult following.

Since its release, Tangerine has gained a dedicated following of fans who appreciate its unique storytelling and powerful performances.

Conclusion

From its groundbreaking use of an iPhone camera to its authentic portrayal of transgender characters, Tangerine is a film that has made its mark on the industry. With its engaging plot, vibrant characters, and thought-provoking themes, it has captivated audiences around the world.

Whether you are a fan of indie films or simply curious about the creative process behind Tangerine, these 32 facts have shed light on the making and impact of this remarkable movie. From its innovative production techniques to its powerful performances, Tangerine proves that great storytelling knows no bounds.

If you haven’t watched Tangerine yet, it’s definitely worth adding to your must-watch list. Prepare to be immersed in a raw and powerful story that will leave you reflecting on societal issues and the complexities of human relationships.

FAQs

1. Who directed Tangerine?
Tangerine was directed by Sean Baker, known for his unique and independent filmmaking style.

2. Was the movie entirely filmed on an iPhone?
Yes, Tangerine was shot entirely on an iPhone 5s, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of smartphone technology in the world of filmmaking.

3. Is Tangerine based on a true story?
While Tangerine is not based on a specific true story, it draws inspiration from the lives and experiences of sex workers working in Los Angeles.

4. Are the main characters played by transgender actors?
Yes, both Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, who portray the main characters Sin-Dee and Alexandra in the film, are transgender actors.

5. What are some notable awards and nominations received by Tangerine?
Tangerine received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including Best Supporting Female at the Independent Spirit Awards and the John Cassavetes Award for Best Feature under $500,000.

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