The premiere of Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film, “Kinds of Kindness,” at the Cannes Film Festival received positive feedback.
However, the press conference took an uncomfortable turn as the focus shifted towards discussions of s** scenes, mainly targeting actress Emma Stone.
Surprisingly, despite the presence of a stellar ensemble cast, including Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Joe Alwyn, and Jesse Plemons, the questions were predominantly directed at Stone.
In “Kinds of Kindness,” Lanthimos reunites with his frequent collaborators, exploring three distinct storylines featuring the same actors in different roles, delving into dark and harrowing narratives.
While the cast boasts talents like Hong Chau, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer, they were overlooked during the press conference in favor of probing Stone about the film’s s**ual themes.
Lanthimos, known for his emphasis on physicality in storytelling, expressed his view on the significance of bodily expressions in his work, stating that it reflects his observations of life rather than a form of exploitation.
Stone, who plays a pivotal role in the film, found herself fielding numerous inquiries regarding her portrayal as a female artist and the recurring theme of s** in Lanthimos’ projects.
Addressing the persistent focus on intimate scenes, Stone highlighted the importance of physicality in conveying emotions and actions in her performances.
She redirected the conversation towards the artistic aspects of acting, emphasizing the depth of expression through body language, whether in moments of violence or sensuality.
Interestingly, Plemons, a central figure in “Kinds of Kindness,” received minimal attention during the press conference, leaving Stone to handle the bulk of the queries.
Despite her discomfort, Stone discussed the evolving role of women in cinema and the collective efforts to promote gender equality within the industry, acknowledging the collaborative strides being made by various individuals.
During the event, Stone playfully deflected the seriousness of the discussion by drawing attention to Qualley’s distinctive white hat, injecting a moment of levity amidst the intense scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Lanthimos shared insights into the production process of “Kinds of Kindness,” revealing how the film seamlessly followed his previous project, “Poor Things,” reflecting a continuous creative journey.
As the press conference concluded, Plemons had the opportunity to express his admiration for working with Lanthimos for the first time, highlighting the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to realizing the director’s visionary storytelling.
The duo, along with Stone, are set to reunite for Lanthimos’ upcoming project, “Bugonia.”
“Kinds of Kindness” is slated for release in theaters on June 21, promising audiences a captivating exploration of human experiences through the lens of Lanthimos’ distinctive narrative style.
