Elle Fanning Ignites ‘Joachim Trier Summer’ at Cannes: A Bold Declaration

At Coachella, Charli xcx sparked excitement with her declaration of a “Joachim Trier summer,” and now Elle Fanning, a lead in Trier’s latest movie “Sentimental Value,” is enthusiastically promoting the phrase.

During the Cannes Film Festival press conference for “Sentimental Value,” Fanning sported a white T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase. The film received a phenomenal reception, garnering a 15-minute standing ovation, the longest for any entry at the festival thus far. This has led to widespread speculation that the film is a top contender for the prestigious Palme d’Or this year.

Responding to a question about Fanning’s T-shirt at the press conference, Trier expressed his excitement and appreciation for the support, mentioning his fondness for Charli xcx’s music and acknowledging Fanning’s fandom. Trier humorously remarked on his busy schedule, saying it has been so long since he had a leisurely summer that he hardly remembers what a “Joachim Trier summer” would entail, though he would certainly enjoy one.

Elle Fanning, now 27, reflected on her evolution from a child actress, known for her roles with her sister Dakota, to mature performances. Her role as Rachel Kemp in “Sentimental Value” is a testament to her growth. In the film, Rachel is a celebrated actress who initially accepts a deeply personal role offered by director Gustav Borg (played by Stellan Skarsgard) but ultimately withdraws due to entanglement in familial conflicts.

Fanning shared insights on her career progression, noting that as she has matured, more diverse roles have been offered to her. She described her decision-making process as instinctual, often based on gut feelings about whether a role is right for her or not.

She also highlighted her increased confidence and assertiveness in the industry over the years.

Fanning expressed her admiration for Trier, particularly his film “The Worst Person in the World.” She was eager to work with him and was deeply moved by the script for “Sentimental Value,” praising its emotional depth and complexity.

Before beginning filming for “Predator: Badlands” in New Zealand, Fanning met with Trier in Oslo, where they delved deep into the character of Rachel, shaping her persona through extensive discussions.

Trier shared his initial reservations about the film’s emotional content, given his and co-writer Eskil Vogt’s punk roots and preference for non-conformist themes. Yet, he acknowledged a shift in perspective, realizing the importance of vulnerability in storytelling, which he now views as the new essence of punk – a narrative of tenderness and understanding in a harsh world.