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Key Points

Joaquin Phoenix's latest film 'Eddington' captivated audiences at Cannes with a powerful standing ovation. Directed by Ari Aster, the contemporary Western explores complex societal dynamics during the pandemic. The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Emma Stone and Austin Butler. Despite some audience members leaving early, the movie's emotional impact and political commentary seem to have resonated deeply with the festival crowd.

Key Points: Joaquin Phoenix Moves Cannes with Ari Aster's 'Eddington'

  • Phoenix leads star-studded cast in powerful political drama
  • Cannes Film Festival premiere marks Aster's festival debut
  • A24 film explores small-town tensions during pandemic era
  • Movie set for theatrical release on July 18
2 min read

Joaquin Phoenix gets emotional during 5-Minute Cannes standing ovation for 'Eddington'

Hollywood star receives 5-minute standing ovation for intense Western drama exploring societal tensions during Covid-era America

"I feel very privileged to be here. This is a dream come true. - Ari Aster, Director"

Los Angeles, May 17

Hollywood star Joaquin Phoenix received a heartening response from the audience during the screening of his film 'Eddington' at the ongoing edition of the Cannes Film Festival. 'Eddington' is directed by Ari Aster, and is a contemporary Western film set in the Covid-era.

The film also stars Emma Stone, Austin Butler and Pedro Pascal, and earned a 5-minute standing ovation at its Cannes Film Festival premiere on Friday, reports 'Variety'.

The film's distinct comment on American political and societal discourse did not overwhelm some of the international sets. High in the rafters of the Palais, at least 20 people trickled out over the course of the screening.

As per 'Variety', when the credits seemed imminent, many up top scattered. Aster was typically self-deprecating after the premiere, saying, "I don't know what to say. I don't know what you think. Sorry, I guess? Thank you, I guess?" He followed that by saying, "I feel very privileged to be here. This is a dream come true. Thank you so much for having me".

According to its official synopsis, the A24 film is set in May 2020 and follows "a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor" that "sparks a powder keg as a neighbour is pitted against a neighbour in Eddington, New Mexico". Luke Grimes, Deirdre O'Connell, Micheal Ward and Clifton Collins Jr. round out the cast.

'Eddington' is Aster's follow-up to 2023's 'Beau Is Afraid' which also starred Phoenix as a paranoid man who embarks on a surreal journey to get to his mother's funeral, facing his greatest fears along the way. Despite receiving generally positive reviews from critics, 'Beau Is Afraid' was considered a box office failure, making only $11 million. After premiering at Cannes, 'Eddington' is set for a theatrical release on July 18.

The Cannes premiere of 'Eddington' marks Aster's first time attending the festival. His debut feature, horror favourite 'Hereditary' bowed at Sundance Film Festival in 2018. 'Midsommar', his well-reviewed sophomore film starring Florence Pugh, and 'Beau Is Afraid' both skipped the festival circuit and went straight into theaters. Aster's cast is more familiar with the festival, with Phoenix having won its best actor award in 2017 for Lynne Ramsay's "You Were Never Really Here" and stone having attended last year with Yorgos Lanthimos' "Kinds of Kindness".

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Joaquin Phoenix is truly one of the greatest actors of our generation! His performances always leave me speechless. Indian cinema could learn from his dedication to complex roles. Hope 'Eddington' releases here soon! 🤩
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Priya M.
Interesting that they chose to set it during COVID times. Hollywood keeps making pandemic-themed movies while we in India just want to move on from that painful period. Still, Phoenix's emotional reaction shows how much he invests in his work.
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Arjun S.
Not sure about this one. Ari Aster's films are too weird for my taste - 'Beau Is Afraid' was confusing. But with Phoenix and Stone, maybe it's worth a watch. The standing ovation at Cannes is promising though!
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Neha T.
Cannes always gives such long standing ovations - feels a bit excessive no? 😅 But happy for the team! Phoenix deserves all the praise after his incredible Joker performance. Hope this does better than his last film at the box office.
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Vikram J.
As someone who loved 'Hereditary', I'm excited for this! Aster makes films that stay with you long after watching. The Western setting with COVID backdrop is an interesting combo. Hope it comes to Indian theaters - we need more than just Marvel movies here.
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Sanya R.
The cast is amazing - Phoenix, Stone AND Pascal? That's like a dream team! Though I wonder how a Western will work in modern times. The political themes might be too America-centric for international audiences, as the article suggests.

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