Josh O’Connor Art Heist Film ‘The Mastermind’ Steals 5.5-Minute Cannes Ovation as Director Kelly Reichardt Says ‘America Is in a Ditch Right Now’

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At the premier of Kelly Reichardt’s newest movie “The Mastermind,” featuring Josh O’Connor as a fugitive art thief, there was a prolonged and enthusiastic applause lasting for about 5.5 minutes during its screening on Friday evening at Cannes.

Reichardt’s film, set in the ’70s and characterized by a subdued atmosphere, predominantly revolved around O’Connor’s character, as he was present in almost all scenes. Haim portrays his quiet, understanding wife who becomes aware of her husband’s machinations. When law enforcement begins pursuing him, she leaves with their twin sons.

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Reichardt’s 70’s-era movie, with a muted tone, primarily focused on O’Connor’s character, as he was featured in almost every scene. Haim plays the role of his serene wife who understands her husband’s plans but departs with their twin sons when authorities start chasing him down.

With moist eyes, Reichardt graciously received the applause, yet it appeared she was impatient to grasp the microphone and deliver her speech. She passionately conveyed to the audience, “America is currently in a tough spot, but perhaps we can find our way out. However, until then, we have movies.”

(This version maintains the original’s tone while using simpler language and more natural phrasing.)

Although the movie doesn’t explicitly advocate a political standpoint, its narrative unfolds amidst the tumultuous setting of the Vietnam War, lending a sense of deep despair to O’Connor’s persona.

As the lights brightened, the audience rose to their feet, giving a polite round of applause that swelled into thunderous cheers, particularly for O’Connor’s captivating performance. Some of this enthusiasm might have been leftover from his exceptional performance in “The History of Sound,” the premiere of which he unfortunately missed on Wednesday due to filming Steven Spielberg’s latest movie. Before the movie started, one spectator shouted out “We love you, Josh,” much like another did for his “History” co-star Paul Mescal a night prior. Alana Haim also received a strong wave of support, with her sisters Danielle and Este Haim grinning and clapping from their seats behind the cast.

Set in a tranquil part of Massachusetts during the year 1970, the movie titled ‘The Mastermind’ follows an unemployed carpenter who moonlights as an art thief, preparing for his biggest job yet. However, things take an unexpected turn and his life starts to fall apart. Alongside O’Connor and Haim, the film features a talented cast including John Magaro, Hope Davis, Bill Camp, Gaby Hoffmann, Eli Gelb, Cole Doman, Javion Allen, Matthew Maher, Rhenzy Feliz, and Ryan Homchick. Interestingly, Reichardt not only directs this movie but also writes the script.

Director Kelly Reichardt first showcased her work at Cannes Film Festival back in 2008 with her third movie “Wendy and Lucy,” a production featuring Michelle Williams. This film was presented in the Un Certain Regard section. Fast forward to 2022, her latest film titled “Showing Up” once again starring Michelle Williams, vied for the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the same festival.

This year, “The Mastermind” marks O’Connor’s second film competing at Cannes, but it’s his inaugural festival appearance. In addition, he is starring in Oliver Hermanus’ gay romance, “The History of Sound,” alongside Paul Mescal. Their characters portray two men who journey to New England in the summer of 1919 to capture rural folk songs. Interestingly, this is also Haim’s debut at Cannes and her second feature film, having made her acting debut with Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza” in 2021. She will also be featured in Anderson’s upcoming movie, “One Battle After Another,” as well as Kristoffer Borgli’s “The Drama” alongside Zendaya and Robert Pattinson.

Cannes Film Festival runs May 13 to 24.

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2025-05-23 22:46