Matthew McConaughey has remained cool and calm despite being booed and laughed at for his new drama, "The Sea of Trees," which screened Friday at the Cannes International Film Festival.

"Anyone has as much right to boo as to ovate," the laid-back Matthew McConaughey said after "Sea of Trees" got booed at the Cannes.

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In the "Sea of Trees," Matthew McConaughey plays the role of a suicidal scientist who is mourning the death of his wife, portrayed by Naomi Watts. In deep emotional distress, he decides make his way to a "suicide forest" in Tokyo, Japan to take his own life.

However, in the middle of his attempt, he runs into an injured Japanese man, portrayed by Ken Watanabe, and decides to help the latter out of the "Sea of Trees." Along the way, Matthew McConaughey's character finds a strong will to continue living.

Matthew McConaughey, himself, admitted that he sometimes felt upset during the filming of "Sea of Trees," most especially during moments when he did not know what exactly he was doing. Still, he proudly said that he likes the film and is happy that it is part of the Cannes Film Festival.

"Sea of Trees" is directed by 62-year old Gus Van Sant, whose notable movies include Milk, Good Will Hunting and Elephant, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes back in 2003.

Unfortunately, "Sea of Trees," which also features Naomi Watts, has garnered mostly negative reviews with the Guardian, rating it one star and labeling it as "fantastically annoying and a dishonest tear-jerker."

The director of "Sea of Trees" has also taken the criticism and reactions in stride as he told journalists about seeing the Guardian review that at least they now know where exactly they stand.

Despite the negative reactions towards Matthew McConaughey's performance, the new drama "Sea of Trees" is still in competition for the top prize, which will be announced on May 24.

TagsMatthew McConaughey, Sea of Trees, Cannes, Cannes Film Festival, naomi watts, Ken Watanabe, Gus Van Sant