All Of It

Episode: Recapping This Year's Cannes Film Festival
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Kyle Buchanan, New York Times
Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart delves into the highlights of the 78th Cannes Film Festival with special guest Kyle Buchanan from the New York Times. The discussion covers standout films, notable directors and actors, the prestigious Palme d'Or award, and the unique atmosphere that makes Cannes a pinnacle event in the global cinema landscape.

Overview of the Cannes Film Festival

Alison Stewart opens the conversation by setting the stage for Cannes, emphasizing its status as the "world's most glamorous film festival" and a launchpad for cinematic careers.

Kyle Buchanan ([02:10]): "It's kind of considered the world's biggest film festival, certainly the world's most glamorous film festival. You know, the images of people on those gigantic red steps leading up to the Palais. It's a gorgeous platform for excitement, glamour, all those things that you go to the movies for..."

He highlights the festival's role in spotlighting international talent and mentions that recent Palme d'Or winners have often gone on to become major contenders during the Oscars.

Kyle Buchanan ([02:54]): "The last several Palm winners have all gone on to be pretty major Oscar contenders..."

Featured Films at Cannes

1. Highest to Lowest

Director: Spike Lee
Stars: Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky
Genre: Crime Drama / Remake of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low

Spike Lee returns to the Cannes stage with his fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington since Inside Man. The film is lauded for being "smart, hugely entertaining, and profound" without slipping into sentimentality.

• Plot Overview: Denzel Washington portrays David King, a music mogul whose son is kidnapped, mirroring the storyline of High and Low.

• Performance Highlights: A$AP Rocky takes on the role of the antagonist, showcasing a "freshness" that electrifies his interactions with Washington.

Alison Stewart ([04:10]): "Well, let's listen to a little bit of highest to lowest..."

Denzel Washington ([04:19]): "There's more to life than just making money. It's integrity. That's what you stand for..."

Kyle notes the vibrant chemistry between Washington and Rocky, adding a dynamic layer to the narrative.

2. Phoenician Game

Director: Roman Coppola
Stars: Benicio Del Toro, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Riz Ahmed, Michael Cera
Genre: Drama / Wes Anderson-Inspired

"Phoenician Game" is described as a "remake" or homage to the stylings of Wes Anderson, featuring an ensemble cast navigating the complexities of a fictional country’s redevelopment.

• Plot Overview: Benicio Del Toro's character, Zsa Zsa Korda, a business mogul, attempts to rally other powerful figures to invest in Phoenicia's redevelopment, reminiscent of Roman Coppola’s reflections on his father’s ambitious projects.

Alison Stewart ([07:29]): "Let's listen to a little clip of the trailer for the Phoenician Game."

The film is praised for its "incredibly ornate production design" and unique storytelling techniques, including characters moving only at 90-degree angles.

3. Chronicles of Water

Director: Kristen Stewart
Stars: Imogen Poots
Genre: Drama / Autobiographical

Kristen Stewart makes her directorial debut with "Chronicles of Water," adapted from Lydia Yukhanovich's memoir. Stewart was deeply inspired by the story of a woman using swimming to overcome a traumatic childhood.

• Directorial Insights: Stewart expresses her passion for the project, emphasizing her role in shaping every aspect of the film.

Kyle Buchanan ([09:42]): "She's been obsessed with this story since she read it... she wanted to make this movie because it just spoke to her."

The film employs a montage-like narrative that mirrors Stewart's personal connection to the story.

4. Eleanor the Great

Director: Scarlett Johansson
Stars: June Squibb, Mia Threapleton
Genre: Comedy-Drama

Directed by Scarlett Johansson, "Eleanor the Great" follows a 95-year-old woman navigating life in New York City, leading to unexpected and heartfelt adventures.

• Plot Overview: Eleanor, portrayed by June Squibb, decides to move to New York City to live with her daughter, leading to a series of misadventures that blend humor with deeper societal themes.

June Squibb ([14:49]): "Taking a trip. Eleanor moving home, actually, to New York..."

The film received heartfelt standing ovations at Cannes, notably for featuring an elderly lead in a prominent role.

5. Die My Love

Director: Lynne Ramsey
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson
Genre: Psychological Drama

"Die My Love" centers on Jennifer Lawrence's character, a new mother grappling with postpartum depression and personal turmoil.

• Performance Highlights: Lawrence delivers one of her most nuanced performances, capturing the emotional descent of her character with exceptional depth.

Kyle Buchanan ([18:18]): "Jennifer Lawrence just has this great one to one connection with the camera..."

Robert Pattinson co-stars, delivering a grounded performance that complements Lawrence's intensity, marking a significant step from his previous roles.

Actors Turned Directors

The episode explores the trend of prominent actors transitioning into directing roles, using Kristen Stewart and Scarlett Johansson as prime examples. Both directors have chosen not to star in their films, aiming to create projects that reflect their unique visions without overshadowing their roles behind the camera.

Kyle Buchanan ([11:53]): "One of them has a small role. But you know, I think that sometimes when we think of actors turned directors, we think vanity projects and these really weren't those."

This shift highlights a desire for creative control and storytelling that aligns closely with their personal artistic aspirations.

Palme d'Or Winner: "It Was Just an Accident"

Director: Jafar Panahi
Genre: Drama / Political Thriller

The Palme d'Or was awarded to Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi for "It Was Just an Accident," a politically charged film produced clandestinely amid governmental restrictions.

• Plot Overview: The film explores the moral dilemma faced by a group of former prisoners who believe they have identified their torturer and must decide whether to seek revenge.

Kyle Buchanan ([21:41]): "It was just an accident... it's extremely smart taught moral drama..."

• Director’s Achievement: Panahi, despite being banned from filmmaking and having faced imprisonment, successfully crafted a film that resonates deeply without feeling constrained by external pressures.

Denzel Washington ([21:32] – likely a timestamp reference error, but likely in Panahi's context): "He threw his hands up in the air and then instead of getting out of his seat, he just sat there and took it in for about almost 20 full seconds..."

Panhai's subdued yet profound reaction to winning the Palme d'Or underscores the personal and professional hurdles he has overcome, making the victory deeply meaningful.

Standing Ovations and Audience Reactions

Kyle Buchanan offers a critical perspective on the prevalence of lengthy standing ovations at Cannes, suggesting that they may not always accurately reflect a film's merit.

Kyle Buchanan ([20:33]): "No. I mean, sure... So you shouldn't completely believe what you read when you see those ovation headlines."

He explains that the mechanics of standing ovations—where audience members are individually acknowledged—can artificially extend applause duration, making it an unreliable indicator of genuine appreciation.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Alison Stewart and Kyle Buchanan reflecting on the diverse range of films showcased at Cannes, the emergence of actor-directors, and the significant achievements of filmmakers like Jafar Panahi. The discussion highlights Cannes' enduring influence on the global film industry and its role in elevating both established and emerging talents.

Alison Stewart ([23:12]): "Kyle Buchanan writes for the New York Times. Thanks for walking us through the Cannes Film Festival."

Kyle Buchanan ([23:18]): "Anytime, Alison."

This comprehensive recap offers listeners an insightful overview of the Cannes Film Festival's latest edition, capturing the essence of the films, the dynamics of the industry veterans and newcomers, and the cultural significance of the event.