Leo Lewis O’Neil’s documentary, "Slauson Rec", has emerged as one of the most talked-about titles at the Cannes Film Festival, following its recent premiere in the prestigious Cannes Classics section. Despite being a late addition to the lineup, the film captivated audiences and received a notable two-minute ovation on its debut. The documentary offers a gripping exploration of an experimental theater company led by a controversial actor, Shia LaBeouf, and promises a wild ride through the highs and lows of creative expression.
Running for two hours and 25 minutes, "Slauson Rec" is less of a theme park adventure and more of a chaotic descent into the complexities of human emotions. The film chronicles LaBeouf's 2018 initiative to foster a creative "family" within the South Central Los Angeles community. However, what unfolds is a harrowing journey marked by ego-driven insanity, showcasing instances of physical violence and intense emotional confrontations among the cast and crew.
During the screening, LaBeouf made a surprise appearance, marking his first opportunity to view the completed film. He engaged in a conversation with festival director Thierry Frémaux, expressing gratitude for O’Neil's willingness to include him in the project. In the film’s opening, LaBeouf candidly discusses his past, stating, “I’ve done a lot of coming to terms with the failure that was my life, and the plastic foundation I had.” His reflections set the tone for a film that oscillates between moments of artistic inspiration and bouts of destructive behavior.
Inside the premiere, the atmosphere mirrored the tumultuous experiences of the theater group depicted in the film. Viewers felt a mix of cautious optimism and palpable tension as LaBeouf's volatile personality took center stage. While there were moments of joy when he passionately discussed art-making, these were often overshadowed by episodes of rage where he berated actors and crew members, leading to disbelief among the audience. The emotional turmoil was so intense that nearly 30 attendees left the auditorium during the screening.
One particularly poignant narrative involves Sarah, a dedicated company member who, despite her mother's grave illness, chooses to remain committed to rehearsals for a drive-in play. Tragically, after her mother passes away, LaBeouf fires her just weeks before the show, claiming the production would be better without her. In another subplot, a young actor named Zeke faces similar challenges, culminating in a distressing confrontation with LaBeouf that results in physical altercations.
Director Leo O’Neil's journey into the making of "Slauson Rec" began when he attended LaBeouf’s acting class, armed with a camera. LaBeouf encouraged O’Neil to document everything that transpired at Slauson, leading to years of intimate and often unsettling footage. Following the disbandment of the acting school in November 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LaBeouf faced legal battles, including a lawsuit from singer FKA Twigs for sexual battery and emotional distress.
Despite the film’s unflinching portrayal of his behavior, LaBeouf reportedly supported the project, allowing O’Neil to create the documentary without editorial restrictions. He shared with Vanity Fair, “I gave Leo this camera and encouraged him to share his vision and his personal experience without edit.” LaBeouf expressed pride in the accomplishments of the young actors, emphasizing the transformative journey they undertook together.
"Slauson Rec" stands as a testament to the complex dynamics of creativity, showcasing both the beauty and chaos that can arise within the artistic process. With its powerful narrative and raw emotional depth, O’Neil's documentary is set to resonate with audiences long after its premiere at Cannes.
