Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk) is known for directing films that include strong and complex characters with profound themes. We haven’t heard much from him for a while (since 2012), but just a few days ago the trailer for his latest project, The Sea of Trees, was released hoping to grab the attention of a new audience. The film actually premiered last year at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, but it received some really negative reviews from critics. Ouch!
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Naomi Watts and Ken Watanabe, The Sea of Trees tells the story of Arthur Brennan (McConaughey), a professor who travels to Japan’s Mount Fuji while going through a personal crisis after losing his wife. The two-minute trailer focuses on showing Brennan’s journey in finding himself using flashbacks as the main narrative technique. The trailer also includes some impressive cinematography of forests and Japanese landscapes.
Even though it’s not considered one of Van Sant’s best work by international media, I’m a true believer in second chances and think it could actually have some potential if you really try to see it. Don’t you agree? Of course, I could be mistaken and you are all very welcome in telling me “I told you so” later on.
The Sea Of Trees will have a limited release on cinemas but it will be available to stream on August 26th. Watch the trailer below and let me know what you think in the comments!
