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Cannes 2010 Predictions (Competition Films): Leigh, Puiu, Inarritu, Kiarostami and Mikhalkov
I'll first begin with the titles that should be part of the Main Competition, Out of Competition and Special Screenings, and commencing Friday, I'll detail the harder to predict titles that we could find in the Un Certain Regard, Quinzaine (Director's Fortnight) and Critic's Week sections.
Aki Kaurismaki Moves from Finland to Le Havre, France
In pure Kaurismaki tradition, Le Havre as reported by Screen Daily, falls in his usual "dramatic comedy" territory and is about a shoeshiner who tries to save a refugee. Fitting since the city is a port town in the North of France.
Winstone reteams with David Scinto on Directing Debut ‘Night Flower’
Ray Winstone is reteaming with his Sexy Beast and 44 Inch Chest scribe David Scinto for the screenwriter's directing debut - which is being called not a gangster film, but a "terrifying romantic thriller". Night Flower would obviously involve a female lead of some sorts and word is that a pair of young, talented Brit actors Ben Whishaw (Bright Star) and Andrew Garfield (Never Let Me Go) are also in talks to join the cast. The pic is expected to go into production in the fall.
Magnolia Prepping to Nuke Theaters with ‘Countdown to Zero’
Not sure if a nation that is constantly reminded of imminent fear (the airports and color alert levels are a joke) will want to hit the movie theaters and watch a film about the current nuclear threat that is bubbling up, but Magnolia Pictures are teaming up with Participant Media once again, grabbing Lucy Walker's documentary film that was just showcased at Sundance.
Hawke and Scott Thomas Plead the ‘Fifth’ for Pawlikowski
Hawke and career hotter than an iron Kristin Scott Thomas will take on the lead roles in a film that should signify the return of Pawel Pawlikowski (he has been dabbling on many projects that never came to fruition (see here). Shooting is set to start in April for The Woman in the Fifth.
