With Sean Penn heading this year’s jury and having a quick cameo appearance in the picture, with a key scene taking place at the festival itself, and the genesis of the film – a project based on Hollywood producer being the main matière, THR’s spoiler-like news that Barry Levinson’s What Just
Happened? is the closing film for the 61st edition of the Cannes film festival isn’t a total surprise.
The comedy would land at the croisette as a mangled relief pitcher who didn’t win his last game. Buyers officially balked at the film back in January at the Sundance film festival.
De Niro plays Ben, an Art Linson-like producer who is going through two weeks of hell as he tries to get a picture made, hanging on to the tattered threads of his career as he tries to maintain his dignity while surviving the mounting humiliations of Hollywood. His character will be based on Linson, on his memoir about his experiences as a producer. His credits include Heat, Fight Club and The Black Dahlia.
Expect the sales agent to change hands and if a better received re-edited version is presented, perhaps a larger sized studio might make a qualifying bid for domestic rights. It remains to be seen.
