The Cannes Film Festival recently showcased the directorial debuts of three notable stars: Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Stewart, and Harris Dickinson. These films, presented in the festival's esteemed Un Certain Regard section, highlight the diverse backgrounds and experiences these actors bring to their initial forays into directing. This section at Cannes has a tradition of boosting the careers of many successful directors, including Yorgos Lanthimos and Lynne Ramsay.
At just 28 years old, Harris Dickinson has quickly risen in prominence as an actor, with notable performances in films such as "Babygirl," "Where the Crawdads Sing," and the acclaimed "Triangle of Sadness," which won the Palme d'Or. Determined to pursue his dream of filmmaking, Dickinson spent years developing his debut feature, "Urchin." His passion for storytelling dates back to his early years, where he began his creative journey on platforms like YouTube. Dickinson expressed his dedication to directing by turning down numerous acting roles, stating, "Urchin was all I could think about. It was pouring out of me." The film tells the story of Frank Dillane, who portrays a homeless Londoner grappling with drug addiction.
Scarlett Johansson, who has earned two Oscar nominations and is well-known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is stepping into the director's chair with "Eleanor the Great." This film revolves around a nonagenarian who, motivated by grief and loneliness, takes control of her late friend's Holocaust survival story. Reflecting on her journey, Johansson revealed, "I would not have had the confidence to direct this film 10 years ago." Her extensive acting career has influenced her filmmaking approach, as she frequently visualized how stories could be told on screen. "Whether it was reading something and thinking, 'I can envision this in my mind'... it’s always been part of my process," she noted.
Kristen Stewart, another Oscar nominee, made her directorial debut with "The Chronology of Water," an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir. Stewart described the process of bringing the film to fruition as an arduous journey, comparing it to childbirth: "It was eight years in the making and then a really accelerated push." During promotional conversations, she emphasized the need to break the stereotype that only men can successfully direct films. "It’s really not fair for people to think it’s hard to make a movie” she argued. Stewart highlighted her belief in trusting one’s perspective as a director, despite lacking extensive technical knowledge. The narrative of "The Chronology of Water" addresses Yuknavitch's harrowing experiences of sexual abuse and her journey towards finding solace in swimming and writing.
The Un Certain Regard awards will be announced soon, adding an exciting layer to this year's festival proceedings. The contributions of Johansson, Stewart, and Dickinson not only represent a personal evolution in their careers but also signal a broader movement within the industry, where established actors are taking creative control behind the camera.
In conclusion, the Cannes Film Festival continues to be a significant platform for emerging voices in cinema, with actors like Johansson, Stewart, and Dickinson stepping beyond their previous roles to forge new paths as directors. Their films are set to leave a lasting impact and pave the way for future artistic endeavors.
