Gus Van Sant's metaphysical story "Sea of Trees", starring Matthew McConaughey, gets overwhelming negative reception in the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival. Nevertheless, both Van Sant and McConaughey got out of the premiere's press screening relatively unperturbed.

"Sea of Trees" tells the tale of an American (McConaughey), who travels to Japan's Aokigahara forest, a 14 square mile "sea of trees" near the base of Mount Fuji. The place is essentially a forest made famous for ritual suicides. Like many other visitors to the dreaded forest, McConaughey's character plans to end his life, after his wife's (Naomi Watts) death. In Aokigahara, he meets a stranger (Ken Watanabe), and goes on an unexpected journey, one of self-reflection and survival.

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Among the film's most ardent critics are the Guardian, who called it a "dishonest tear-jerker", and Variety, who said the film was a "risibly long-winded drama". The Guardian goes on to state that the film is a shallow representation of one of the darkest and most painful topics: depression and suicide.

The article goes on to criticize the film's portrayal of the actual horrors of Aokigahara forest. "It is Van Sant's depiction of the forest itself which is at the centre of the problem. It is a hostile place from a straightforward view of survival [...]We see the dead bodies of suicides there, revealed so casually that it is at first unclear if these are hallucinations - but the film can't decide if they should make us scared or sad."

Despite all the criticism surrounding his latest film though, Van Sant remains unfazed. He, after all, still has a plethora of award-winning films to be proud of, including 2003's Palme d'Or winning "Elephant". McConaughey likewise, just wants to focus on brushing off his critics and returning to the arms of the people he loves: his wife, Camila Alves, and their children.

"I get to wake up next to someone who I know loves me the way she does - my wife - who gave birth to our three beautiful, healthy children," the "Dallas Buyers Club" star remarks.

TagsMatthew McConaughey, Sea of Trees, Gus Van Sant, Cannes Film Festival