Diego Lerman, Constantin Popescu, David Verbeek, Alicia Duffy and Filmmaker Mathieu Amalric Headed to Cannes 2010?

Cineuropa have produced a deluge of other probable titles that neither IONCINEMA.com, nor Screen Daily or for that matter any other trades have mentioned in their predictions lists for the biggie festival next May. I think some of the names/titles aren’t better than pure specuIation, but are informed guesses. Worth noting, I hadn’t placed Olivier Assayas’s Carlos or Godard’s Socialism on my original list since they were both supposed to receive some form of a release prior to the fest and for obvious reasons, they are both strong contenders. Here are eight noteworthy titles mentioned by the trade. 

All Good Children – Alicia Duffy
This debut film may have a good shot at a slot in the Critic’s Week. Filmed entirely in France, this psychological thriller cast with unknowns. Duffy’ already has Cannes cred – she was the 3rd place place in the Cannes Cinéfondation competition in 2001, and was also selected for the Croisette’s official shorts competition in 2003 with The Most Beautiful Man in the World.

The Essence of Killing – Jerzy Skolimowski
Skolimowski made his long awaited return to filmmaking with Four Nights with Anna. which recently opened the Director’s Fortnight. This stars Vincent Gallo and Emmanuelle Seigner (regulars on fringe films shown on the Croisette) of a Taliban member who lives in Afghanistan, kills three American soldiers and then is taken captive by the Americans. This would return to the same section if it is included.

Moral Sciences — Diego Lerman
Winner of the Sundance/NHK Int. Filmmakers Award and part of Cannes’ Atelier de la Cinefondation, this is set in 1982’s Buenos Aires, close to the end of the military dictatorship and focuses on the tensions between teachers and students. 

Outrage — Takeshi Kitano
Cannes like gangster, crime dramas from Asia, so perhaps we can expect Kitano in a sidebar or non Comp category. Kitano plays a character who has to put people back in order – check out this screaming match.

Principles of Life – Constantin Popescu
Didn’t think this one would be ready, and figured there’ll be enough Romanian titles featured at the fest, but having been there in 2009 as part of the directors in the Tales From the Golden Age, this is a contemporary, drama set during a 24-hour period that features a father (played by Cannes regular Vlad Ivanov from 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days fame) disconnected from his family, especially from his son. Un Certain Regard, Director’s Fortnight and even Critic’s Week is possible.

The Rabbi’s Cat – Joann Sfar and Antoine Delesvaux
Gainsbourg gave French viewers a smidgen of what Sfar could do with animation beyond pulp & paper. Here he adapts from his own work – and Cannes is also an option for animation – especially, since The Illusionist was already shown in Berlin.

R U There – David Verbeek
Such as his previous film, this offering from the Netherlands is set on the other side of the world. Jitze is a professional gamer who travels around the world to compete in video game tournaments. During a stay in Taipei he unexpectedly witnesses an accident; this confronts him with his own mortality and makes him doubt the certainties of his existence. Director’s Fortnight slot possible.

Tournée (“Tour”) – Mathieu Amalric
The actor moves behind the camera for this first time work which could end up in any section of the festival, including Critic’s Week. This is about American burlesque girls on tour in France.