Cannes Critics Boo Van Sant & McConaughey's "The Sea Of Trees"

Former Palme d'Or winner Gus Van Sant's Cannes competition entry, Sea Of Trees starring Matthew McConaughey and Naomi Watts, had the first of press screenings last week in advance of its red carpet premiere and it got audibly booed during the end credits by one portion of the audience.

In its 68 years, the Cannes Film Festival has a long history of audiences booing after a film some may not have thought is up to their "standards".  Of course it's rude, but in the last 15 years, it has never occurred during an actual black tie premiere with the filmmakers and cast present.

Sea Of Trees, was picked up for domestic distribution by Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions, seemed to be politely received during its entire running time. The boos came afterwards, giving critics here, many of whom follow the pack, license to kill and it's already begun with some unmerciful pans from trades and tweets. With the Internet, it can just be deadly.

The title, Sea Of Trees refers to a lush forest in Japan where many go to commit suicide. In the film a grieving McConaughey travels there to do just that but instead encounters a desperate Japanese man (Ken Watanabe) who he tries to save from a similar fate.