It won’t be the auteur filmmakers such as the Wong Kar Wais or the Pedro Almodovars that will ceremoniously open the next edition of the Cannes Film Festival but rather, an animated, 3D film from the Pixar folks. Pete Docter‘s Up will screen for world critics a full two weeks before its theatrical release and as long as you keep away puffy mascots from the steps of the red carpet, I’m fine with that decision. Cannes has supported animated films, just last year it showcased the unique hybrid Waltz with Bashir, and this year we should expect to see Sylvain Chomet‘s The Illusionist play out in the main comp. The picture is based on the late Jacques Tati’s un-produced screenplay.
Up sees Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner) spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life.
