Mikey Madison, the 25-year-old actress currently captivating audiences with her performance in Sean Baker’s Anora, is opening up about the intense physical demands of the role. The BAFTA winner recently revealed the surprising toll that preparing for the part of Ani, a sex worker and exotic dancer in New York, took on her body, particularly the rigorous pole fitness training she underwent.
The Unexpected Challenge of Pole Fitness
Madison’s dedication to portraying Ani authentically led her to dedicate months to pole dancing lessons. What she thought would be easy, turned out to be incredibly difficult. She wanted to appear as a very skilled and seasoned dancer. In an interview, she said that she “never expected how much it hurts.” She further explained to Access Hollywood that it “really burns your skin at first”.
“It Completely Changed My Body”
Madison told Nashville Scene that the training “completely changed my body”. She shared on The Graham Norton Show that seeing the dancers at a club made her feel like she could easily do what they were doing. However, after trying a class she realized it was the most difficult thing she’d ever done. Despite the pain and difficulty, Madison remained dedicated to her training.
The Illusion of Effortlessness
One of the biggest surprises for Madison was the discrepancy between the sensual, effortless appearance of professional pole dancers and the reality of the training. She quickly discovered that the art form requires significant upper body strength, and the development of muscles in unexpected places. Furthermore, she noted that the conditioning required was something she hadn’t anticipated.
Months of Training for Seconds on Screen
Despite the immense effort and physical strain, Madison’s pole dancing only appears for a few seconds in Anora. She practiced pole dancing for five months. This fact underscores the level of commitment she brought to the role, aiming for a realistic and impressive portrayal even if it meant enduring intense physical challenges for a relatively short screen time.
Dedication to Realism
Madison’s commitment extended beyond the physical aspect of the role. She immersed herself in the world of sex work, spending time in clubs and within the community to understand the day-to-day life of Ani. She also worked to perfect a Brooklyn accent and even learned some Russian for the role.
The Making of Ani: A Collaborative Effort
Madison didn’t just step into a pre-defined role; she co-created it. Director Sean Baker, impressed by her performance in the Scream franchise, approached her to collaborate on crafting Ani’s character.
Relocating to Brighton Beach
To fully immerse herself in the character, Madison relocated to Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, where the film is set, along with the cast and crew. She described the experience as transformative, forming close bonds with the people involved.
Baker’s Trust and Creative Freedom
Madison has expressed gratitude for the creative freedom Baker gave her in developing Ani. This collaborative environment allowed her to bring her own perspective and ideas to the character, resulting in a more authentic and nuanced portrayal.
Accolades and Recognition
Madison’s portrayal of Ani has garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning her a BAFTA for Leading Actress, and nominations for a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award. The film Anora itself won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival and Best Picture at the Critics Choice Awards.
A Star on the Rise
The recognition Madison is receiving for Anora has solidified her position as one of Hollywood’s most exciting new talents. She is nominated for two BAFTA Film Awards, including the EE Rising Star Award.
Beyond the Awards
While awards are a significant recognition of her talent, Madison remains focused on future projects and continuing to challenge herself as an actress.
The Impact of ‘Anora’ on Madison’s Career
Anora has not only brought Madison critical acclaim but has also shaped her approach to future roles. The collaborative experience with Sean Baker has influenced her desire to work in environments where her ideas are valued and where she has the freedom to contribute to the creative process.
A New Standard for Future Roles
Madison has stated that her experience on Anora has “completely changed the way that I want to work in the future”. She values the opportunity to bring authenticity and depth to her characters.
Understanding Anora: More Than Meets the Eye
Anora is described as a fairy tale rom-com with a sharp edge. Madison’s character, Ani, is a complex mix of humor, vulnerability, and resilience.
A Modern Fairy Tale
The film explores themes of class, love, and family dynamics through the lens of Ani’s unexpected marriage to a young Russian heir and the subsequent intervention of his powerful family.
The Ending: Open to Interpretation
The film’s ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving audiences to interpret Ani’s final choices and emotions. Madison has noted that people have offered a wide variety of reactions, showing that everyone could have a certain explanation as to what Ani wants or how she feels or what she does at the end. She “totally tortured herself” over filming the ending sequence, as she saw it as ‘the most important scene in the film.’
