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Scarlett Johansson faces some tough reviews in directorial debut at Cannes

Scarlett Johansson - "It's a film about many things: it's about friendship, it's about grief, it's about forgiveness. And I think those are all themes that we can use a lot more of these days"
Scarlett Johansson - "It's a film about many things: it's about friendship, it's about grief, it's about forgiveness. And I think those are all themes that we can use a lot more of these days"

Scarlett Johansson faced some tough initial reviews for her debut film as a director after it premiered in front of a VIP-packed crowd at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday.

Actors heading behind the camera is something of a trend in Cannes this year, with Twilight star Kristen Stewart and the British actor Harris Dickinson also showcasing their first features.

Johansson appears to have found the transition more difficult than her contemporaries, with several critics' views on Eleanor the Great likely to make difficult reading for one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.

Scarlett Johansson with her Eleanor the Great star June Squibb at the Cannes Film Festival

Film bible Variety called it "an unconvincing crowd-pleaser"; The Hollywood Reporter said it was "wobbly", and The Guardian critic called it "frankly odd" in a two-star review.

Screen was more positive, however, saying online "streamers should come calling", while The Times in London said it had "the jackpot combination of being tear-inducing and laugh-out-loud funny".

(L-R) Eleanor the Great stars Erin Kellyman and June Squibb and director Scarlett Johansson at the Cannes Film Festival

Lead actress June Squibb, 95, won almost universal praise for her turn as a grief-stricken retiree who moves to New York and adopts the personal story of her deceased best friend who survived the Holocaust.

"It's a film about many things: it's about friendship, it's about grief, it's about forgiveness. And I think those are all themes that we can use a lot more of these days," Johansson said after the premiere.

Scarlett Johansson is joined by the Cannes Film Festival's director Thierry Frémaux as she introduces her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival

In competition

Johansson's movie is in the running for prizes in the Un Certain Regard secondary section at Cannes for up-and-coming directors that also includes Stewart's and Dickinson's films this year.

Harris Dickinson (pictured) has brought his directorial debut Urchin to the Cannes Film Festival

Dickinson, the 28-year-old star of Babygirl, asked the press to be "gentle" as he unveiled Urchin, a touching film about a rough sleeper in London.

"It's my first film, so if you don't like it, break it to me nicely," he said before the premiere on Saturday.

Initial reviews have been positive, with his social-realist debut said to have echoes of the work of veteran British director Mike Leigh, a past winner of Cannes' top prize.

Actors generally have a spotty record when it comes to directing, with Oscar-winning Clint Eastwood one of a small band to have convinced when calling the shots on set.

Greta Gerwig, who broke through as an actress before hitting the directorial big time with the 2023 hit Barbie, has also clocked up a string of hits.

Kristen Stewart has been acclaimed at Cannes for her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water

Australian screen great Nicole Kidman lamented on Sunday how the number of women directing major box office successes is still "incredibly low".

Stewart might be one to watch for the future, judging by the rapturous reception to her debut, The Chronology of Water, a searing examination of child sex abuse.

"I can't wait to make 10 more movies," she told AFP.

Rolling Stone magazine said the 35-year-old has "accomplished what she set out to do, with honours".

Source: AFP

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