American Honey: A Deep Dive into Andrea Arnold's Vision of Youth and the American Dream
Andrea Arnold's 2016 film, "American Honey," defies typical coming-of-age narratives. It focuses on messy journeys of self-discovery rather than neat resolutions. Imagine a grenade exploding in the cheerful land of teen films. This explosion is akin to "American Honey." The film is a road movie filled with youthful energy and raw realism. It explores the American Midwest through the eyes of a runaway girl and a group of nomadic magazine sellers.
Let’s unravel layers of this cinematic experience. We’ll look at the message, gritty production details, and film landscapes. Just like Star and her crew travel the heartland, we’ll dive into characters, themes, and real-world echoes within this engaging movie.
I. Unpacking "American Honey": More Than Just a Road Trip
The Labyrinthine Plot: A Runaway's Journey
"American Honey" centers on Star, a runaway played by Sasha Lane. Star escapes dire circumstances in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Her journey isn't straightforward; it's not just from something but also toward an undefined something. Her introduction is gritty, dumpster diving with her half-siblings, which reflects her harsh reality.
Star's escape begins with Jake, a charming young man portrayed by Shia LaBeouf. He recruits for a traveling sales crew, selling magazine subscriptions with charm and youthful audacity. Captivated by his energy and promise of escape, Star impulsively joins the crew. This decision thrusts her into a world of motion, motels, and family dynamics among young drifters.
The film unfolds as vignettes in various towns, giving glimpses into diverse facets of American life. Star and her crew meet people from affluent suburbs to struggling rural areas. These meetings are deep and not mere background scenery, crafting a portrait of modern America. They reveal significant social and economic disparities.
Star adapts quickly within this group. She learns sales tactics and navigates crew dynamics, especially under Krystal, the tough leader played by Riley Keough. She experiences intense highs from partying nights and lows of pressure-filled days door-to-door. Amidst this whirlwind, Star finds love with Jake, marking a complicated emotional journey.
Decoding the Message: Bitter Honey and Elusive Dreams
What does "American Honey" aim to convey? This question lingers after the credits because it does not offer neat conclusions. Instead, it reflects on the American Dream's nuanced, often bleak reality. Some view it as a "bitter allegory of the American Dream." The title's "honey" suggests lost innocence and sweet youth dreams.
The film starkly contrasts this ideal with Star's harsh reality. The sales crew embodies a desperate hustle for sales and dollars. They promote magazine subscriptions filled with promises but live unstable lives lacking fulfillment. Spending quickly on fleeting pleasures shows their struggle, illustrating how dreams elude them.
However, labeling the film as merely pessimistic is an oversimplification. Arnold’s direction captures hardship but reveals beauty and resilience moments. Star grows despite challenges and heartbreaks. She leaves a threatening home situation and navigates adult complexities, beginning her uncertain journey. Her story highlights a necessary maturation process.
Also, the film critiques social issues. It explores marginalized youth lives with nuance, unlike Larry Clark's "Kids." The film portrays stark economic disparities. It shows many teenagers in poverty amidst the wealthiest nation's backdrop—an exploration of social classes from wealth to struggle.
Ultimately, "American Honey" resists a single message. It immerses viewers in subculture and reflects on youth, freedom, and elusive happiness pursuit. It’s about journeys, experiences, and connections found amidst chaos.
Rooted in Reality? The Factual Basis
Is "American Honey" grounded in reality? While not about a specific story, its premise aligns with real events. Teenagers do travel across the U.S., selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door for dubious companies. Arnold researched this world extensively to grasp their dynamics and experiences.
The film captures this transient lifestyle, camaraderie among crews, and ethical questions regarding their employers. This groundwork fosters authenticity, making characters feel impactful and real. "American Honey" is described as a "fictional story drawn from real life," emphasizing marginalized teens' issues in America.
"Good" Movie or Great Art? Critical Reception
Is "American Honey" a good film? Artistic judgments are subjective. Critically, it’s more than just good; it’s often hailed as important cinema. It won the Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival, signaling artistic merit.
However, this film may not appeal to everyone. Its nearly three-hour length and layered narrative considerations can challenge viewers. It's deliberately paced to absorb atmosphere and character depth without quick thrills.
In contrast to films like "Blood and Honey," which falter in writing and direction, "American Honey" excels in filmmaking and performances. Sasha Lane’s debut and LaBeouf’s commitment shine brightly. This film creates rich characters who resonate as deeply human.
Ultimately, "American Honey" captivates through its ambition, realism, powerful performances, and ability to provoke thought. It’s distinct from typical blockbusters; instead, it offers unique insights into contemporary American struggles.
Deciphering the Ending: A Symbolic Departure
The ending of "American Honey" is ambiguous. It leaves much to interpretation. Near the film's conclusion, Star wades into water after releasing a turtle. This act suggests a turning point. It shows her recognition that life with the sales crew is not sustainable. It hints at cleansing and rebirth.
However, the ending does not offer a clear path forward for Star. What she will do next and where she will go are unanswered questions. This ambiguity mirrors the uncertainty of real life, especially for youth nearing adulthood. The ending is not neat. It hints at change without guaranteeing specific outcomes.
The turtle, given to Star by Jake, becomes a significant symbol at the end. It's a peace offering and a gesture of reconciliation. It represents something slow, steady, and enduring, lacking in the fast-paced lives of the sales crew. Star releasing the turtle may indicate her embracing independence.
The final scenes show the cyclical nature of the crew's lifestyle. While Star contemplates a departure, her peers remain “circling.” They are trapped in patterns of earning, spending, and moving on. This contrast highlights Star's potential for growth and recognizes the systemic challenges faced by youth in similar circumstances.
Rated R for Realism: Mature Content Explained
Why does "American Honey" have an R rating? It's not due to violence or horror. The rating stems from its explicit depiction of adult themes relevant to young characters' lives. Parents should know that "American Honey" targets teenagers and young adults but contains extremely mature content.
The film includes "full-frontal male nudity, naked breasts, and long sex scenes." These elements aim to portray realistic sexual explorations and sometimes exploitative dynamics present in this youth-driven subculture. The film shows complexities of young love and risks of manipulation and heartbreak.
In addition to sexual content, the R rating reflects drug use, alcohol consumption, and strong language. These aspects contribute to the raw portrayal of the characters' world. "American Honey" is intended for mature audiences; it grapples with profound themes that demand understanding older viewers typically possess.
Midwest Landscapes: Filming Locations Across America
"American Honey" showcases the vastness of the American Midwest through various filming locations. The visual landscape is crucial for conveying the film's themes. Filming occurred in "Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa," authentically representing America's heartland.
Specific locations include:
- Oklahoma: Muskogee, Okmulgee, and Norman
- Kansas: Mission Hills and Kansas City
- Missouri: Kansas City areas
- Iowa: Missouri Valley
- Nebraska: Bennington and Omaha area
- North Dakota: Williston (oilfields)
- South Dakota: Badlands
A memorable pool scene was filmed at a "private residence in Bennington, Nebraska." Filming ran from "May 7, 2015, to July 9, 2015," capturing summer heat and long roads that define the film's visual identity.
Diverse locations contribute to the film's sense of journey as Star and the crew move through landscapes and communities. Cinematography captures beauty and banality of American life.
Cinematic Grit: The Visual Style of "American Honey"
"Drenched in color" and "vividly captured" describe the cinematography of "American Honey," expertly handled by Robbie Ryan. The visual style is integral to its impact, enhancing its raw and immersive quality.
Ryan combined film and digital technology to achieve the desired aesthetics. "Kodak 35mm" film captured daylight scenes, providing richness to outdoor landscapes. "Arri Alexa" digital cameras filmed nighttime scenes, providing more flexibility in low-light conditions.
Cameras used included "ARRI ALEXA Camera, ARRICAM Lite (LT) Camera." Joe Bini edited the film, shaping its rhythm and flow, contributing to its episodic yet cohesive structure.
A key aspect is the hand-held camera work. This technique imparts immediacy and intimacy, placing viewers alongside Star as she navigates her world. The hand-held style enhances the documentary-like feel, boosting authenticity and emotional impact.
Improvisational Authenticity: The Spoken Word
The film's raw feel stems from "a majority of the dialogue being improvised." Andrea Arnold’s collaborative approach allows actors to bring spontaneity to their roles.
This improvisational aspect enhances the dialogue's naturalism. Conversations feel unscripted and reflect real-life interactions. It captures rhythms of how young people speak. This approach blurs lines between fiction and documentary, immersing viewers in "American Honey."
Turtle Symbolism: Freedom and Letting Go
The turtle in "American Honey" serves as a potent symbol. The "turtle" given to Star by Jake symbolizes "her new freedom" concerning her relationship with him.
As video analyses explain, "At its core this movie is a coming-of-age story about a young woman." Jake gives Star the turtle as a peace offering. However, its symbolism extends beyond this apology.
When Star releases it into the water, it signifies her letting go of dependence on Jake's transient lifestyle. Following the turtle into the water signifies immersion in transformative cleansing. Rising from the water symbolizes her realization that happiness cannot depend solely on Jake or fleeting connections.
The turtle’s slow nature contrasts with the fast-paced sales crew’s world. By releasing it, Star chooses a different path—slower and uncertain but offering genuine growth. The turtle becomes a metaphor for her evolving understanding of freedom and self-respect.
Themes of Survival, Self-Respect, and Freedom: The Heart of the Story
"American Honey" is a "coming-of-age story" that explores profound themes. "Survival, self-respect, and freedom" drive Star's journey and the film's overall message.
Survival is ever-present in Star's life. From her dire home situation to life on the road, she navigates precarious circumstances. Her survival is physical, emotional, and psychological. She adapts and endures in a world often indifferent.
Self-respect is a theme Star grapples with throughout the film. Without confidence initially, she learns to assert herself. She comes to understand her worth and make choices aligned with her needs. Her journey shows her gaining self-respect against manipulation.
Freedom inspires Star’s escape and attraction to nomadic life. The open road represents limitless possibilities.
represents liberation from her past. The film shows that freedom involves more than movement. It includes emotional and personal autonomy. Star's journey uncovers what freedom truly means to her. She explores how to achieve it.
These themes shape Star's choices. They influence her relationships and fuel her evolution. "American Honey" explores these fundamental human experiences in contemporary American youth.
II. Meet the Players: Characters in "American Honey"
Star: The Eighteen-Year-Old Protagonist
Star is the center of "American Honey." She is an "impoverished eighteen-year-old girl in Muskogee, Oklahoma." Her youth signals a crucial period. She is vulnerable yet resilient, impressionable yet stronger inside.
Star "dumpster-dives with her half-siblings." This sharp image shows her socio-economic status and responsibilities. It highlights her need to escape a difficult home life. She is "resourceful" due to her surroundings and needs survival skills.
Star often has "Rasta Barbie braids and a skeptical smirk." These traits reflect her personality. They show a mix of youthful style and street-wise cynicism. The "skeptical smirk" hints at her wariness, derived from experiences but shows a spark of defiance.
Star's eighteen years are critical. She is legally an adult but still maturing. This young adulthood space is central to her "American Honey" journey. Star faces independence, love, and self-discovery with youth's impulsivity.
Family Dynamics: Father, Step-Mother, and Half-Siblings
Star's family situation is hinted at through key moments. The man who dances with her, Nathan, is "her biological dad." This detail deepens the dance scene’s discomfort, suggesting inappropriate family interactions.
Misty dances at the club; she is "her stepmother and the mother of younger children." This clarifies family dynamics and indicates instability in Star's home life. Nathan is the "bio dad to Star's siblings," reinforcing these connections.
This fractured family history explains Star’s eagerness to escape. Her troubled home life drives her need for connection elsewhere. Her choice to join the sales crew becomes more understandable.
The Pool of Blood: A Moment of Disquiet
A minor but striking moment occurs when Star "reacts to stepping into the pool of blood in the field." This scene is brief yet impactful, raising questions about its meaning.
The "pool of blood" goes unexplained, adding realism and unpredictability. It could symbolize hidden violence beneath superficial American life. It could also signify disturbing encounters in unfamiliar environments.
A continuity detail in this scene adds intrigue: "When Star reacts...she removes her satchel. It reappears in the same spot at the end." This small element, intentional or not, enhances the film's raw feel and emphasizes its sense of immediacy.
Jake: The Charismatic Enigma
Jake, played by Shia LaBeouf, catalyzes Star's journey, becoming a central figure in her life. Described as "charismatic" and "magnetic," his qualities initially attract Star and lead her to the sales crew. Jake is the recruiter who spots her.
Jake's relationship with Star is complex. There is clear attraction; however, his feelings remain "unreadable," viewed through Star's lens. He is "romantically elusive," making Star "adapt her behavior" to gain his attention.
At the film's end, Jake gives Star a "turtle." This gift carries significance, suggesting reconciliation and unspoken affection for her. Yet, Jake's actions often remain unclear, mirroring real-life relationship complexities.
Jake embodies youthful charm and restlessness but also manipulation potential. He represents both allure and dangers present in the world Star enters.
III. Casting Magic: Actors Behind the Characters
Sasha Lane: Serendipitous Discovery of a Star
Sasha Lane's casting as Star is a unique story. Andrea Arnold "discovered Sasha Lane...on a beach in Florida." This chance encounter parallels the unpredictability of Star's journey.
Lane was "19 years old at the time." Arnold was "street-casting" for "American Honey," seeking authenticity and presence for the lead. She approached Lane, stating she was looking for her "star."
Lane had "never considered acting before." Her lack of professional experience contributed to her naturalness in the role. She "auditioned by dancing in a Wal-Mart parking lot," capturing the film's spirit and her character's essence.
Arnold found Lane a grounding force amid shooting chaos. "We would film, film, film; then I would put the camera on Sasha; it made sense of everything else." This shows Lane's talent to anchor the film's sprawling narrative.
Age at Filming: Youthful Authenticity
Sasha Lane's age during filming, "19," supports her authenticity as Star. Being close in age helped her connect with a young woman facing adulthood for the first time.
Arnold cast Lane "three weeks prior to filming," indicating a quick decision reflecting Lane’s immediate quality, fitting the vision for Star.
Lane's youth, acting inexperience, and charisma contributed to the film's fresh feel. Her performance is a standout element that launched her career, marking her as a talent to watch.
Race and Ancestry: Multiracial Identity
Sasha Lane’s racial background is part of her identity, adding to the film's diversity. She has "African-American ancestry." Her father is "African-American," and her mother is "of New Zealander Māori descent."
Lane’s multiracial identity adds complexity to her portrayal of Star. While not focused on race, "American Honey" subtly reflects contemporary American youth's diversity living on society’s margins.
Shia LaBeouf: Established Star in a Gritty Role
Shia LaBeouf plays Jake in "American Honey." Known for blockbusters like "Transformers," his casting brings recognition while taking on challenging roles.
LaBeouf's Jake performance is praised for energy and unpredictability. He embodies both the charm and potential manipulation intrinsic to his character, enriching the exploration of youth and relationships.
Street Casting: Finding Authenticity in Real Life
Apart from Sasha Lane’s unique discovery, "the rest of the cast were found in unusual locations." Parking lots, construction sites, streets, and fairs supplied actors. This "street casting" approach defines Andrea Arnold’s style, prioritizing authenticity over traditional backgrounds.
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Arnold cast non-professional actors in "American Honey." This choice aimed for realism. These individuals added their experiences and behaviors. It blurred the lines between fiction and documentary.
This casting method is key to the film's aesthetic and impact. It creates a feeling of observing real people. The film portrays marginalized youth in America, enhancing emotional depth.
IV. Relationship Dynamics: On and Off Screen
Sasha Lane and Shia LaBeouf: Dating Rumors and On-Screen Chemistry
Sasha Lane and Shia LaBeouf had chemistry in "American Honey." This sparked rumors of a romance. They dated briefly in 2015 during filming. They were seen holding hands in public, which fueled speculation.
Reports say their relationship was intense yet short-lived. In August 2015, Lane posted a black-and-white photo with the caption "Home." This suggested a shared experience. She also shared a fun collage that included Shia, hinting at their playful dynamic.
Though their romance was fleeting, it enhanced the chemistry on screen. Performance and reality often blurred in such intense filming environments. This added authenticity to their interactions.
Star and Jake: A Love Story of Instinct and Elusiveness
The relationship between Star and Jake is crucial to the film. It's a connection that hints at love at first sight. The attraction between them is immediate.
The relationship isn't simple. Jake's feelings are filtered through Star's perspective. His emotions remain unreadable. We see Jake mainly through Star's eyes, which makes his intentions unclear.
Star adapts her behavior to attract Jake. This shows a pursuit dynamic. Jake appears romantically elusive, which enhances his charm. Star's pursuit becomes important in her journey.
Their relationship features intense moments mixed with uncertainty. It reflects the confusing nature of young love. Their transient lifestyle adds to this complexity. The turtle gift symbolizes their unresolved connection.
V. Shia LaBeouf: Beyond "American Honey"
Mia Goth: Current Wife and Supportive Partner
Shia LaBeouf's personal life is often public. His marriage to Mia Goth is part of his current story. Mia Goth is Shia LaBeouf's wife. They met while filming "Nymphomaniac" in 2012, starting their long relationship.
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