In 1995, Tom Hanks and Bill Paxton first worked together in the blockbuster smash Apollo 13, but despite the movie's success, and the two actors' obvious on-screen compatibility, they did not work together again for another twenty two years, when they reconvened on the set of James Ponsoldt's thought-provoking, envelope-pushing movie The Circle. Although Paxton died unexpectedly before the movie's release, there is a tribute to him in the closing credits; the movie is said to be, simply, "For Bill." It also turned out to be the penultimate movie for supporting actress Glenne Headly, who died later that year.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Dave Eggers, who also co-wrote the script with James Ponsoldt, the Director. Despite the controversial nature of the book, Eggers remains more famous for his bestselling memoir, A Staggering Work of Incredible Genius.
Emma Watson plays the role of Mae Holland, a recent college graduate who lands her dream job - or so she thinks - at a next generation tech company called The Circle. She begins work in the customer service department but is soon invited to meet the company's C.E.O., Eammon Bailey (Tom Hanks); Bailey asks Mae to spearhead a groundbreaking experiment that pushes the boundaries of ethics, privacy and also her personal freedoms. Every decision Mae makes from that point on begin to affect not only herself, but those around her, and ultimately affects the future of humanity.
The film was popular at the box office despite earning predominantly negative reviews. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 26, 2017, grossing forty million dollars worldwide, and becoming Ponsoldt's highest grossing movie to date The movie received two awards, both for it's leading lady, Emma Watson. She received the Teen Choice Award for Best Movie Actress in a Drama - and also the Razzie Award, for the year's worst actress.
