In “Anora”, strippers and Russian heavies are not what you expect
Many stories rely on character types. The best reimagine them
He hasn’t been around for long, either in reality or fiction, but the Russian oligarch and his entourage are already familiar figures. They splurge their petrodollars on yachts and Cristal champagne, wowing Westerners with their profligacy. The oligarch’s minder has a thick neck, dead eyes and a conscience unruffled by violence. Noirish thrillers like “McMafia” are their genre.
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This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Prince Charmless and the ice slipper”
From the November 16th 2024 edition
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