David Cronenberg’sCrimes of the Futurearrived at Cannes this week and as predicted by the director saw a number of walk-outs from those not quite prepared for the body horror movie. Cronenberg has never been known for making bright and fluffy movies, so it was not surprising that the director’s newest movie, his first in eight years, hasseen quite a reaction from its first audience, but starKristen Stewarthas been quick to defend the movie, saying that behind the gore is something “beautiful.”
Crimes of the Futuretakes place in a world where body mutations and transformations are a form of entertainment. Vigo Mortensen appears as Saul Tenser, who along with his partner Caprice (Lea Seydoux), perform organ surgeries for a public audience. As you’re able to probably imagine, this leads to some pretty bizarre and often grotesque scenes, and this kind of thing doesn’t always sit well with everyone at Cannes. However, speaking toNME, Stewart spoke out against those who have called the movie too gory. She said:
“It’s a lot to take on at first, I guess. But to me, the movie is so simply sweet. Yes, we’re barrelling towards certain death, for sure. But there’s a delicacy to the movie that, even in the gory stuff, I was really bewitched by it. Everyone talking about walking out and how intense it was. I was like, ‘It’s not intense! It’s really beautiful.’”
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David Cronenberg Fully Expected The Kind of ReactionCrimes of the FutureWould Receive
David Cronenberg’s career has been littered with movies that have disturbed audiences with weak stomachs, including all out horrors such asThe Flyand oddities likeVideodrome. For that reason, Cronenberg knows what to expect when his movies go in front of those who may not be prepared for what they are about to witness. Prior to the movie’s premiere at Cannes, Cronenberg told Deadline:
“There are some very strong scenes. I mean, I’m sure that we will have walkouts within the first five minutes of the movie. I’m sure of that. Some people who have seen the film have said that they think the last 20 minutes will be very hard on people, and that there’ll be a lot of walkouts.”
The official synopsis ofCrimes of the Futurereads: “As the human species adapts to a synthetic environment, the body undergoes new transformations and mutations. Accompanied by his partner, celebrity performance artist Saul Tenser showcases the metamorphosis of his organs. Meanwhile, a mysterious group tries to use Saul’s notoriety to shed light on the next phase of human evolution.”
While some of those seeing the movie at Cannes have given their verdict on the film, general audiences will have the chance to make up their own minds about it on June 10, when it is released in theaters. Having mostly landed with critics, and gaining an 83% approval rating, it will be interesting how that correlates with audience ratings and box office takings when the movie arrives next month.
