The Men of Anora on a Bond Forged in Russia and Solidified in America

In reading this account of Borisov and Eydelshteyn’s collaboration on the film “Anora,” it is clear that they have each gained valuable experiences and insights from their work together. Borisov, in particular, demonstrates an admirable dedication to his craft, going above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of his co-star, Madison, during the intense scenes. His modesty and focus on authenticity in his performance are commendable, as is his ability to adapt and improvise within a choreographed scene.

“Do you know Sean Baker?”

During the filming of sci-fi adventure Guest from the Future in 2022, actor Yura Borisov inquired about his co-star Mark Eydelshteyn if he knew Sean Baker. Eydelshteyn responded, “No, I’m not acquainted with Sean Baker.

Later on, Borisov shared with Eydelshteyn that Baker, the renowned independent filmmaker known for ‘The Florida Project’ and ‘Tangerine’, was seeking an extraordinary teen for his upcoming project. During a recent Zoom conversation with Borisov, Eydelshteyn recalls his initial skepticism at the possibility that this role could be his. “I thought, ‘This can’t be true. I’m not some wild teenager.'”, he said. However, trusting Borisov, who he considers like an older brother, Eydelshteyn decided to take a chance and sent a video introduction to Baker before submitting an audition tape.

The recently released movie, titled “Anora” by director Baker, is set in New York and has been captivating audiences at film festivals since its Palme d’Or win at Cannes in May. Starting in theaters this week from NEON, it centers around the captivating Mikey Madison’s character Anora, a sex worker who marries the spoiled Russian heir to an oligarch, Ivan, played by Eydelshteyn. Baker’s heartwarming retelling of Cinderella gone awry follows Anora as a group of thugs hired by Ivan’s family try to annul their marriage. The main antagonist among the hired goons, Igor, who gradually reveals his quiet strength, is portrayed by Borisov. Although Anora’s story takes center stage, it’s made more compelling and emotional through the intricate supporting roles played by the duo as the narrative reaches its poignant end.

The memorable audition tape that got Eydelshteyn the part

Eydelshteyn recalls his initial experience with the script named Anora. “It was tough to decipher at first due to its director’s notes and structure,” he said. However, after reading it three times, he found himself captivated by Ivan, a complex character who embodied a directionless teenager living in perpetual party mode, yearning for independence amidst a rigid family background. “This is the tale of a boy who has been shattered by power. He’s trying to find humor. He’s seeking his niche in this world. And with Anora, he embarks on this journey, but one cannot remain a child forever. Therefore, it’s a story about growing up.

Although he grasped the character of Ivan, he persistently postponed sending in his audition tape. He was contemplating, “If it’s not good, it will be my fault, I’ll miss this chance, I’ll lose everything.” Eventually, he took the leap just in time for the deadline, enlisting a friend to film him. To make it stand out, he also added an unexpected touch. “I don’t have expensive designer clothes like Balenciaga or Gucci,” Eydelshteyn recalls with a grin, sharing his decision to perform a scene in the script where Ivan has sex with Anora. “I thought, ‘I might be instantly dropped from this story, from the American industry. Why should Sean see my bare bottom on the first self-tape?'” But he overcame his reservations. “I decided, ‘The script is daring. Ivan is eccentric. It’s risky, but it’s intriguing and it will make a good anecdote.’ So I did it.

From one Cannes winner to the next

Prior to notifying Eydelshteyn about it, Borisov had already been selected for the film “Anora“. Interestingly, his role was essentially tailored for him due to his renowned acting skills in Russia and global film industries. He is well-known for his outstanding performances in movies such as “Crystal Swan” (2018) and “The Bull” (2019). Previously, Baker had watched him in Juho Kuosmanen’s “Compartment Number 6“, which debuted at Cannes in 2021 and bagged the Grand Prix, the festival’s second most significant award. After reading the script, Borisov realized that his impressive portrayal in that movie, where he played a character with a hidden side beneath an intimidating initial impression, significantly contributed to him securing this role.

Borisov states, “These characters are quite near one another, and he possibly recommended the part due to this proximity. Thus, I aimed to convey that energy to him.” However, he acknowledges the profound disparities between the characters. In “Compartment Number 6, “my character is in his own domain. It’s his land, his rules. In “Anora“, he’s a foreigner. It’s definitely not his territory. The surroundings are barren around him, and he doesn’t have friends or belongings.” Reflecting on this, he says, “After staying in a different country for an extended period, one begins to realize they don’t have deep roots there. And this profound loneliness that Igor experiences resonates with me. Anora is also lonely. Their souls crave each other.

America, for the first time

The feeling of being distant from familiar surroundings greatly connected with both actors since neither had been to the U.S. before filming “Anora.” Sharing an apartment in New York during their initial experiences proved incredibly beneficial for them. Borisov expressed that it was far simpler to be in America together for the first time, stating, “We discussed everything: the script, America, philosophy, our lives, our characters… It was fantastic.” Eydelshteyn, who had experience on film sets before—having starred in Julia Trofimova’s Berlinale-premiering “Strada Sasha” in 2022 and the popular Russian TV show “The Monastery”—admitted that he wouldn’t have coped with the tension of a foreign set without Borisov. “It was all new to me: a different country, culture, working style. Living together with Yura provided immense psychological support. We genuinely helped each other out. It was because of Yura that I’m part of this incredible tale.

They excitedly recall the occasion when Eydelshteyn first arrived in New York on his 21st birthday, which also happened to be the same day. Borisov smiles, “We rented a boat,” he says. Eydelshteyn adds, “We sailed towards the Statue of Liberty.” The sail was a unique birthday gift from Borisov, along with actors Karren Karagulian and Vache Tovmasyan from the show Anora, as well as script supervisor Albert Rudnitsky. Eydelshteyn exclaims, “Mikey was there too. It had always been a dream of mine to see it. And we did on my birthday. It was absolutely surreal.

Crafting the film’s key slapstick and physical moments with Madison

Working alongside Madison on crafting the pivotal scenes for “Anora” was just as exhilarating. Hearing her name, Eydelshteyn can’t help but smile widely. He gushes, “When someone mentions Mikey Madison, I just can’t stop smiling.” She’s one of the most delightful, attractive, kind, professional, and dedicated acting partners I’ve ever collaborated with. For me, acting is about striking a balance. I don’t understand how she does it, but Mikey truly embodies this balance—the balance between fun and drama, reality and performance. She allowed me to truly support her. She resonated with my energy because Anora mirrored Ivan’s spirit. Despite our differences in humor and cultural background, Mikey shared in my madness. It was a dream.

Borisov agrees, “She can activate herself in an instant.” He, however, requires some time to get ready. But as soon as ‘action’ is called for the camera, Mikey is ready to go. It leaves him wondering how she does it, he doesn’t know. During the filming of their project, Borisov worked particularly closely with Madison, especially during the intense and suspenseful centerpiece that mimics a real-time home invasion when Igor and his group show up at Ivan’s family’s Brooklyn mansion to take Madison for an annulment court hearing. In Borisov’s thoughts, Igor was always trying to assist Anora. So, he took on the same protective role towards Madison during filming. “If my real-life intentions aim to help Mikey, that would be the proper flow of energy between Igor and Anora. I just tried to act as a shield for her, defending her from the storm.

During the more turbulent phases of the invasion, when pieces of furniture were broken and costly ornaments damaged, not to mention the struggle to restrain an enraged Anora from the henchmen’s grasp, he had to be cautious so as not to accidentally injure Madison, who was still bearing bruises from their previous altercation. “The scene was quite extended—it lasted for seven days,” Borisov describes. “We meticulously planned each step, ensuring all the long takes. It was carefully choreographed, but there was room for spontaneity within the choreography.

Borisov humbly deflects any praise for the movie’s poignant ending, where Anora and Igor’s love story reaches a moving climax after their feelings for each other unfold subtly throughout the film. In his own words, “We filmed this scene multiple times over several days. Sean and Mikey worked hard to find the right moment, and all I did was assist them…

“…make this film iconic,” Eydelshteyn finishes his sentence for him.

Borisov laughs. “I tried to [communicate] the truth between us through the screen. You know?”

Life after Anora

According to Borisov, one of the most intriguing aspects of being in a Baker film was networking with directors and producers. He believes that festivals, showcases, and interviews play a crucial role in fostering fresh ideas, but it’s the opportunities they present for accessing new prospects that truly matter.

Speaking for myself, it was thanks to Anora that I had the privilege of discovering Telluride. This charming mountain town and festival venue were where Anora made its North American debut, setting foot in the Oscar race. The place is a haven with breathtaking skies and an abundance of stars. To think that three years ago, standing on the stage of the Werner Herzog Theater was beyond my wildest dreams. But there I was, introducing our movie there – a dream come true! Werner Herzog, one of my all-time favorite directors, graced this theater with his name. And to top it off, a staff member presented me with a t-shirt from the theater – a symbol of dreams realized, and after Anora, I couldn’t feel more fulfilled.

Visiting Telluride enabled Eydelshteyn to gain a more profound insight into Baker’s cinema, following a special screening of Baker’s 2008 film “Prince of Broadway” at the festival. After seeing this movie, he realized that Sean Baker is similar to Dostoevsky in America – he creates movies about genuine, ordinary individuals facing universal problems. This is an unusual approach for America, a nation known for its large films and stories. Eydelshteyn then gestured towards his heart, speaking softly, “However, this story is small and intimate, one that resonates deeply within you.

Borisov remarks, “I’ve watched and admire every one of his movies. There’s something distinct about Sean’s style. Each film carries a unique flavor, yet they all seem to be the work of a single, talented filmmaker.

Following Baker, it’s clear that they each have a personal dream team of directors they aspire to collaborate with. Jokingly, Borisov mentions Mark Eydelshteyn as his top choice. However, he also expresses a strong desire to work alongside Yorgos Lanthimos.

“If Mikey Madison directs, that would be my dream,” Eydelshteyn remarks. “And Werner Herzog.”

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2024-10-18 16:07