Live from Cannes: Dispatch 3

The race is still wide open but for many it was another weak year of Official Competition. This festival is four festivals in one along with “Un Certain Regard”(A certain Look), Quinzine des Realizateurs (Director’s Fortnight) and “Semaine de la Critique” (Critic’s Week). The last most anticipated film Marie Antoinette opened with much hype but unlikely to win anything. It’s pure eye candy and nothing more. The critics are divided and the film draw big boos at the press screening.

A day in Cannes is like a week during the fall season when big award films open. The day starts with the anticipation of the films but by the next day when the reviews are out, those films feel passé, specially the ones that opened on the first few days. Almost every trade magazine such as Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Screen Daily and Le Film Français have daily issues that they would otherwise have weekly or monthly. I feel like I have here a month or so. Unless you are Roger Ebert or another VIP, you have it easy, for the us it’s work. My shortest day was so far 13 hours and the longest 20. I need sleep and medical attention to the sores in my feet soon. Luckily I leave tomorrow. Most people left or about to leave. Let’s wait and see who will be crowned this year. All eyes are now on Venice with David Lynch’s Inland Empire latest among others. I will put capsule reviews shortly for those who care. A bientot.