A Historic Moment at Cannes
The premiere of Joachim Trier and star Renate Reinsve’s "Sentimental Value" at Cannes on Wednesday evening will be remembered for a long time. The film received a standing ovation that lasted for 15 minutes, with the crowd applauding wildly past 1 am. The audience’s enthusiasm was evident as Elle Fanning, who plays a Hollywood starlet in the feature, wiped away tears and embraced Trier. Her co-star Stellan Skarsgård was also seen blowing a kiss to the crowd.
A Touching Speech
In his speech after the ovation, Trier expressed his gratitude and emotions. The Norwegian filmmaker was visibly moved and announced that he was "very moved" and found that many had "fought" to make the film. He also quoted Buñuel, saying "I make films for my friends? I feel that you are all my friends tonight." This moment highlighted the strong connection between the filmmakers and the audience.
A Record-Breaking Ovation
The 15-minute ovation for "Sentimental Value" is the longest at Cannes this year, exceeding the 11.5 minutes of applause received by the infection drama "Alpha" by French director Julia Ducournau. This intense reception has triggered speculations that Trier’s feature could be a strong contender to win the Palme d’Or.
The Film’s Plot
"Sentimental Value" is a family drama that follows the story of sisters Nora and Agnes as they navigate their complicated relationship with their father, Gustav, a charismatic director. The film takes a meta approach, poking fun at the film industry and the characters’ experiences. At one point, a film by Netflix is acquired, and Skarsgård’s character is seen keeping a junket interview with a journalist who has a former crush on Fanning.
The Cast and Crew
The film boasts a talented cast, including Cory Michael Smith and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, in addition to Fanning and Skarsgård. Trier wrote the script with his frequent collaborator Eskil Vogt. This team has come together to create a film that has clearly resonated with audiences at Cannes.
Trier’s History with Cannes
Trier is no stranger to Cannes, having premiered his second feature "Oslo, August 31" at the festival in 2011. He returned to the Palme d’Or competition in 2015 with "Louder than Bombs" and again with "The Worst Person in the World", which won the festival’s best actress award and received Oscar nominations. His latest film, "Sentimental Value", is sure to be a contender for top honors at this year’s festival.
