What's Happening?
Scarlett Johansson makes her directorial debut with 'Eleanor The Great,' a comedy-drama exploring themes of aging, loss, and truth in a fake-news world. The film follows Eleanor Morgenstein, played by June Squibb, a sarcastic nonagenarian who makes a consequential decision amidst profound grief. The story unfolds as Eleanor's lie spirals out of control, affecting her relationships and leading her to a support group for Holocaust survivors, where she shares memories that aren't hers. The film attempts to balance humor with serious themes but struggles with its insistence on Eleanor's endearing nature.
Why It's Important?
The film's exploration of aging and loss resonates with societal issues surrounding the elderly and their representation in media. Johansson's debut as a director marks a significant career shift, potentially influencing her future projects and the industry's reception of female directors tackling complex narratives. The film's themes of truth and deception in a fake-news era reflect broader societal concerns about misinformation and its impact on personal and collective histories.
