Matthew McConaughey's remarkable comeback streak in recent years — the so called "McConaissance" — hit a bump at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Gus Van Sant's "The Sea of Trees."
The film, about two men (McConaughey, Ken Watanabe) who find each other in a Japanese "suicide forest," was greeted harshly by critics and was loudly booed in its initial screenings to Cannes media. Ahead of the film's official premiere, McConaughey was sanguine about the reaction.
"Anyone has as much right to boo as they do to ovate," McConaughey told reporters Saturday.
"The Sea of Trees," which was picked up for U.S. distribution by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions ahead of the festival, is about a man who wrestles with guilt over a bitter marriage (Naomi Watts plays his wife) and travels to Japan to kill himself.
Van Sant recalled that films of his have previously drawn divisive responses in Cannes. His Palme d'Or-winning school shooting drama "Elephant," he said, caused a fist-fight between festival audience members.
McConaughey plays another scientist character — a community college science professor — following last year's brainy space epic "Interstellar."
"Interstellar was an exploration out there. This was an exploration in here," said McConaughey, pointing at his chest.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
“I’ve... Read More