Yorgos Lanthimos Debuts “Kinds of Kindness” at Cannes with Emma Stone

Director Yorgos Lanthimos, renowned for his unique blend of dark humor and surreal storytelling, showcased his latest film, “Kinds of Kindness,” at the Cannes Film Festival. Featuring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and Willem Dafoe, this new cinematic endeavor is divided into three interlinked segments that explore paranoia, power dynamics in relationships, and the propensity for violence.

During a press conference at Cannes, Lanthimos discussed the absurdity inherent in his films, noting that they might seem less strange when compared to real-world events. “Don’t you think that something’s off with the world? Probably more so than the films that we make,” Lanthimos commented, suggesting that his creations mirror the complexities and absurdities of real life.

“Kinds of Kindness,” which draws thematic inspiration from the bizarre reign of Caligula, the infamous Roman emperor known for his despotic rule, delves into the concept of absolute power and control. Lanthimos explained that the initial spark for the film came from the idea of one individual having complete dominion over another, a theme that resonates through the narrative’s exploration of interpersonal dynamics.

The film has received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its enigmatic and multifaceted narrative. Variety described the film as a “quizzical concoction bound to baffle and delight in equal measure,” while The Guardian awarded it four out of five stars, calling it a “macabre, absurdist triptych.”

This marks the third collaboration between Lanthimos and Emma Stone, following their previous projects “The Favourite” and “Poor Things,” the latter of which garnered several Oscars. Stone expressed her deep appreciation for Lanthimos’s vision, citing his unique perspective and compelling storytelling as key reasons for their continued partnership. “I’m drawn to his stories, his way of seeing the world, the characters, and the way he goes about all of it,” Stone said.

Lanthimos’s approach to filmmaking is largely instinctual rather than intellectual, which allows for a more organic development of the film’s themes and characters. He believes in allowing viewers to form their own interpretations of his work, further adding layers of engagement with the audience.

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