Core Insights - The 78th Cannes Film Festival has showcased 22 films in the main competition, with half already premiered, receiving mixed reviews and generating significant buzz [1][3][8] Group 1: Film Highlights - "Eddington," featuring major Hollywood stars, has sparked controversy with a low score of 1.4 in the Cannes program and 67% freshness on Rotten Tomatoes, criticized for its political themes and execution [3][4] - "Eddington" aims to address political divisions in American society, igniting discussions online shortly after its premiere [3] - "Eddington" has been described as "distasteful and hollow" by The Hollywood Reporter and "confusing" by The Guardian [3] - "Causeway," starring Jennifer Lawrence, has received positive reviews, with her performance being highlighted as a potential contender for Best Actress at Cannes [4] - "The Phoenix Project," directed by Wes Anderson, premiered to a six-minute standing ovation, praised for its engaging storytelling and emotional depth [5] - "The New Wave," directed by Richard Linklater, pays homage to the French New Wave, utilizing black-and-white photography to evoke nostalgia [5] Group 2: Emerging Directors and Films - "Close to the End," directed by Olivier Lachey, has been noted for its unique sound design and has received high praise from critics [6] - "Looking at the Sun," directed by Marsha Schlinksy, explores the lives of four women over different eras, described as a challenging film with a unique cinematic language [6] - Japanese film "Renoir," the only Asian entry in the main competition, tells a poignant story of a young girl and her father, though it has received mixed reviews regarding its resonance with Western audiences [7] Group 3: Overall Festival Reception - The overall quality of films in the main competition has exceeded expectations, with anticipation for upcoming films from notable directors [8] - The only Chinese film in the main competition, "Wild Times," is set to premiere on May 22, with the prestigious Palme d'Or award to be announced on May 24 [8]