I have never been to a movie before that has been booed by more than a few people. Although, I was not at the press screening, it was reported that much of the audience received Gus Van Sant's new film "Sea of Trees" with much disappointment. The film stars oscar winner Matthew McConaughey as Arthur Brennan, who attempts to commit suicide in Japan's haunting forest.
Throughout the whole film, I thought to myself "why on earth would this get booed so drastically?" Reviews have not been kind to the prior Palme D'Or winner's new film (Elephant won in 2003) but I am willing to stand up and defend it by saying it was compelling for much of the film. The performances by McConaughey as well as his co-stars Naomi Watts and Ken Watanabe should also be praised. The raw natural emotion evoked within the relationship between the two leads was something you do not often see.
In addition, Van Sant's cinematography should be applauded as the aerial shots of the immense forest and Mount Fuji in Japan were astounding. The portayal of the forest is beautiful yet so frighening and dark, along the evident light and dark symbolism playing a major role in the emotional themes throughout. Perhaps some critics may be right in saying a little too much was going on, too many metaphors placed in for the audience to grasp a single crucial message. Nevertheless, McConaughey defended the film by saying how "anyone has a right to boo as they do to ovate." I may be in the minority, but I am choosing to ovate.
By: James Cullen
Photo Credit: IndieWire
