Sean Baker's 'Red Rocket' in Competition at Cannes

Sean Baker's 'Red Rocket' in Competition at Cannes

LOS ANGELES — Filmmaker Sean Baker's new film "Red Rocket," described as a comedic drama about a washed-up porn star who returns to his small Texas hometown, is playing in competition this month at the Cannes Film Festival.

Baker is known for "The Florida Project," which earned an Oscar nomination for Willem Dafoe, and acclaimed indie drama "Tangerine," which was filmed entirely with three iPhone 5s smartphones.

It's not Baker's first time exploring the fringes of adult; in 2012, he released the indie drama "Starlet," which follows an unlikely friendship that develops between an elderly widow and an aimless porn starlet. He and co-writer Chris Bergoch spoke to XBIZ about the film's adult biz cameos in April 2012.

"Red Rocket" features Simon Rex in the leading role; as XBIZ has reported, in the early '90s, under the name "Sebastian," Rex shot two solo masturbation scenes and posed nude for Brad Posey's boutique studio Club 1821 several years before the performer shot to mainstream fame as an MTV VJ, model, actor and comedian-rapper.

The scant Club 1821 footage was repackaged continually for more than a decade; Rex himself eventually learned to poke fun at the experience. ("I guess that's why I became a dirty rapper and fuckin' comedic actor," he told an interviewer in 2014. "Because after you do that, you're fearless... I got no skeletons in my closet now.")

The official Cannes synopsis describes "Red Rocket" as "an audacious new film... a darkly funny, raw and humane portrait of a uniquely American hustler and a hometown that barely tolerates him" with "a magnetic, live-wire performance" from Rex.

IndieWire has noted the title is one of the festival's "12 most anticipated films."

"Baker’s neorealist approach to unconventional movie characters is always a thrilling experience... Here’s hoping that the filmmaker’s ever-absorbing approach to frantic characters continues to deliver a memorable ride," noted the site in its write-up.

Distributor A24 picked up U.S. distro rights earlier this year.

Image: A24

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Haley Spades Stars in Latest From Immoral

Haley Spades stars with Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and Dean Van Damme in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions, directed by "Porno Dan" Leal.

Octavia Red Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octavia Red has made her Vampired debut alongside Talia Mint and 2023 XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum in the new feature “Hunters.”

Lily Starfire Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Lily Starfire stars with Kyle Mason in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Eating Ass Is the Game."

Country Hotwife Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Content creator Country Hotwife has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY, alongside her husband StagHubby and former XMAs Male Performer of the Year Isiah Maxwell.

Vixen Media Group Celebrates 10 Years of 'Tushy'

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of studio imprint Tushy.

Cherry Kiss Stars in Latest 'Blind Dates' From Bellesa

Cherry Kiss headlines the 16th volume of "Blind Dates," from Bellesa.

Emma Rosie Toplines Pat Myne's 'Gape For Days 5'

Emma Rosie headlines director Pat Myne's "Gape For Days 5," from Evil Angel.

Adult Time Drops 2nd Installment of Bree Mills Thriller 'Escape From Camp Conversion'

Adult Time has debuted the second episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from studio brand Girlcore.

Eris Jolie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Eris Jolie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Bree Brooks in "A Very Filthy Cookout."

Liz Jordan Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Liz Jordan stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "The Plum Latex Anal Affair."

Show More