Starting her career in a critically unsuccessful film like Sony's Madame Webb, has not hampered the rising stardom of Sydney Sweeney. Fans continue to display admiration for the Euphoria star, looking past the film's unpopularity.
Key Takeaways:
– Sydney Sweeney remains a popular figure even after starring in a critically panned film, Sony's Madame Webb
– Her rom-com with Glen Powell, Anyone But You, grossed a whopping $214 million, despite being deemed a cringe-fest
– Will Gluck, the director, blames William Shakespeare for the cringe elements in the movie, stating all such scenes are directly from Shakespeare's work
– The movie is loosely based on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, which Gluck perceives as more goofy and cringeworthy
Unexpected Hit with Mixed Reviews
Sweeney proved her acting prowess in the romantic comedy, Anyone But You, co-starring Glen Powell. Despite mixed reactions and criticisms for being a cringe-fest, the film was a sleeper hit that grossed an impressive $214 million against a budget of $25 million, according to The Numbers.
Reviews on platforms like Google or Rotten Tomatoes have a common thread – the use of the word ‘cringe' to describe the film. Despite several critics citing that the movie lacked the chemistry seen in the lead actors' PR events, it gained financial success.
Director's Unique Perspective
Amid all the criticism, the director of the film, Will Gluck, interestingly shifted the blame onto William Shakespeare. The movie is loosely based on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Speaking with LetterBoxd, Gluck shared that all the cringe elements were directly lifted from the classic play.
In his eyes, the classic romantic tropes in all romantic comedies originated from Shakespeare. Hence, the elements that audiences have deemed cringe in Anyone But You were an homage to the dramatic elements used by the Bard of Avon.
This bold stance kindled mixed reactions among fans and critics. Some criticized Gluck for blaming the celebrated English playwright, while others admitted they were drawn to the film by Sydney Sweeney's performance.
A Different Interpretation of Shakespeare
The cornerstone of Gluck's argument is that the much-admired works of Shakespeare, often seen as the epitome of romance, were filled with goofy and cringe elements. He justified his film's caricature-type moments as true to Shakespeare's original play's spirit.
Gluck further explained that his film aimed to portray realistic, albeit goofy and silly, human interactions. His envisioned objective was to reflect the actual experiences people have, which he claims often includes cringeworthy moments.
Despite the mixed reviews and the ‘cringe' stigma attached, there's no denying the financial success and popularity of Sweeney's romantic comedy flick. Propelled by fans' loyalty and interest in Sweeney, Anyone But You has proven itself a commercial hit, and is currently available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime.
This debate about the cringe elements in the film may indeed spark renewed interest in Shakespeare's works and their interpretation to the modern audience. After all, as Shakespeare himself once wrote, “All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players.” Despite its controversy, Sydney Sweeney's Anyone But You may just be another act in this infinite play.
