Day 2 at Cannes 2011

We start day 2 early as still there are many events that are happening as I publish, so post will be updated later.

Main Competition

Today the first film in competition that also is running for the Camera d’Or, Sleeping Beauty by Julia Leigh; most interesting is to discover that Leigh is a well-known writer that for the first time this story “came to her in a cinematic way” which makes movie appealing to me. Not many photographers at the photocall, nice interview and a “normal” press conference all with the presence of the director, Emily Browning, and Rachael Blake. Tonight the red carpet that will watch later and we have to recall that some say film could be the first Cannes scandal, but from headlines from English press seems that will not; still let’s find what other languages press are saying. French press: tends to be positive yet not scandalous (of course!).

In the red carpet for Sleeping Beauty we see a better looking Faye Dunaway with Jerry Schatzberg; knew that Elsa Zylberstein was at Cannes because yesterday her photos with Pablo Trapero populated the net, they’re ambassadors of Cinema of the World. A brief glimpse of Martina Gusman and Pablo Trapero. Don’t think told you before but Jane Campion is supporting this film as I read a while back and of course she’s here as well as cast and director. Yes is nice and unusual to watch a red carpet walk with only women, even do they are rushing them. Nearby Jane Campion, that by the way is the only female director to win the Palm d’Or, is taking pictures.

Also today another film in competition, We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lynne Ramsay’s (yes met her, surprisingly short especially in photos with Tilda, but enjoyed a lot her personality). Photocall attended by more photographers than previous film -but surprisingly not that many- still Tilda got the most noise followed by John C. Reilly. Nice interview and Tilda looks so good when camera gets close to her that I suggest you don’t miss it. Ditto for press conference, but Tilda looks more dramatic … until she smiles/laugh. Movie definitively will be hard to watch (BUT: “intensively cinematic” – not many words is really about feelings - “use of color red”- oh! Yes saw it in latest clip and got me really excited!) yet obviously is must be seen for me. Ah! Ramsays is being called “la genèse d’un nouveau monstre du cinema”.

Un Certain Regard

Today opening film Restless by Gus Van Sant, but press already had their screening so you will be able to find reviews if you’re interested in reading about them. Still, no matter what critics’ say this is a Van Sant film and is must be seen for me. In Restless Red Carpet is normal to watch Gus Van Sant and the movie cast, Mia Wasikowska and Henry Hopper (yes is Dennis son), on the red carpet but what are Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson doing together in the red carpet? The only thing I can think of is that they are promoting Fringe, where Kruger played Miranda Greene but she was uncredited (had to browse the net to find out that they are together, lol! that gives you an idea of how much I don't follow personal lives of actors). Oh! Jane Fonda is at Cannes, not surprisingly she comments that before Cannes was less frightening, more personal – which I agree as have watched videos from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and definitively was less noisy and more glamorous. That was shorter than usual but enough to catch a glimpse of Van Sant and Fonda both looking quite good.

Also today Trabalhar Cansa (Hard Labor), which is competing for the Camera d’Or, by Juliana Rojas and Marco Dutra; totally agree with movie name (lol!) but still have to learn more about film to get an opinion.

Cannes Classics

Section opens with a double tribute, first the opening film Il Conformista (The Conformist) by Bernardo Bertolucci which honors the director who we know got the first Honorary Palm. You know I was thinking that one of Bertolucci most famous films has been absent from this tribute, The Last Tango in Paris. I know it was a true scandal when released but with the recent death of the main actress, Maria Schneider, plus the director career honor “something” should be mentioned as honestly, from those that watched film back then, who has been able to forget the infamous scene? Not me. Not many movies could impress my young mind as much as this one, much less for a scene that if I watch it today again will mean nothing as after I have seen worst. But you never forget your first, isn’t? Anyway, a good movie by Bertolucci that IF you haven’t seen it you should.

Second tribute screens Puzzle of a Downfall Child by Jerry Schatzberg that honors the director and the main actress, Faye Dunaway, who also are the photographer and the actress in the magnificent 2011 Cannes poster. Somehow is not easy to see Faye in the poster and then how she looks today, but we know that time is not generous to all. Yes, have seen both movies a long time ago. Sigh.

Cinéma de la Plage

For some unknown reason this year I forgot about this section (?!) so will cover it on daily basis. Today the open to the public screenings start with the 1965 French/Italian film by Heri Verneuil 100,000 Dollars Au Soleil (Greed In The Sun) starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Lino Ventura among others. Saw so many films with Belmondo that honestly don’t particularly recall this one, still from synopsis not really attracts my attention.

Quinzaine

Parallel section opens today with La Fée (The Fairy) that for me feels and looks a bit crazy for my taste. After one of the three today screenings there will be a panel to discuss the film.

Also today Offside by Jafar Panahi screened as a tribute to the director who got the 2011 Carrosse d’Or. Following the screening there will be a panel discussion on the topic “Making films under an authoritarian regime, accounts of the work of filmmakers in Iran and elsewhere”. At the parallel opening ceremony there will also be the Carrose d’Or Award Ceremony “in the presence of previous laureates and the complicity of many filmmakers”.

At the official site there are some photographs that show the “minutious and careful work of the projectionist before the screening” of films in 35mm, which informs the following truth: “Digital projection has been growing over the last decade, but good old 35mm is not dead yet”. If you wish to check the photos please go here.

Semaine de la Critique

Parallel section opens with the out of competition film La Guerre est déclarée by Valérie Donzelli’s that surely will not be easy to watch parents dealing with their son’s brain tumor. As we know this film is also in consideration for the Queer Palm but from synopsis/trailer there is no way to identify if should be considered and to what “interest” could belong; hope that when reviews start to appear the mystery could be resolved.

Also today the first film in competition Hanotenet (The Slut) by Hagar Ben Asher that definitively calls my attention mainly because the plot as haven’t been able to find a clip/trailer just some raw material.

L’ACID

Parallel section opens with a film that strongly calls my attention for the (to me) unexpected story as in my little knowledge of the culture/traditions of that side of the world never imagined that something like this could exists there and elsewhere. I’m talking about Noces éphémères (Ephemeral Weddings) by Reza Serkanian that tells a story set in a small Iranian village that “practices the temporary marriage”.

Other Important News

As we know MUBI is partnering with La Semaine de la Critique to celebrate 50 years of its programming by showing a retrospective of films from past editions. What’s new is that the films are up at the site and will be FREE to watch for the first 1,000 views, until June 30th. There are some movies that I have to watch, like Phan Dang Di’s Bi, Don’t Be Afraid!, so have to find time to enjoy some of the available movies. To check films please go here.

On other MUBI news we learn that soon his catalog will be larger: “MUBI signs slew of deals. The London, Paris and Buenos Aires-based online video on demand provider MUBI has signed with British sales company HanWay Films to distribute its catalog that includes films by Wim Wenders, Merchant Ivory and Bernardo Bertolucci, in addition to 50 films from the British Film Institute.”

The Marche started selling films, in the news most sales done for the American market, like Playing the Field, Gerard Butler soccer comedy (?!).

Last night Canal + opening ceremony drew an audience of 1.9 million, which is 10% share – from people watching TV- and becomes a record audience. With this success maybe next year organizers will like to consider not only France and French territories coverage –that Canal + has- and expand broadcast coverage to the World! I’m sure that audience could grow exponentially.

Did you notice that today screenings have mainly films by female directors? I did. We can say that today is a good day for women filmmakers, at least in Cannes.

As happens every year the most beautiful videos to watch, most interesting (to me) video interviews are in one and only one site: Arte TV. To start the 2011 Cannes coverage they did compilation “Recut spécial Palmes d’or” showing some of the past winners. Watch this and more videos at arte.tv site or check Movie On facebook page for selected videos. Wasn’t until browsed site that I remarked that most films have children as main characters, they have a special section called l’enfant du jour (Child of the day) that today includes La Guerre est declare and We Need to Talk About Kevin; interesting. As the festival advances more and more videos will be up at this fabulous site. Site link is in this blog first column.

Other Activities

Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman and Angelina Jolie promoted Kung Fu Panda 2. (yes will post Angelina’s photo as she looks healthy on it – ok she also looks very good, lol! – if you browse the net you will find lots of Angelina’s very nice photos).

The Not-So-Serious News

As I imagined Pablo Trapero is in Cannes; if you don’t know he’s Martina Gusman husband/partner but what amazes me are his photos that are around the net with great Elsa Zylberstein, hope that Trapero could expand casting to include European actors in his films.

French press is following Maïwenn even when she’s just doing shopping at la Croisette (lol!). Irrelevant yet surprising: Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith celebrate 15 years together this week and as press says: “defying the cliché of short-lived Hollywood unions”.

Photos of the Day

Is too early for the red carpet photos, so will publish post only with one but later will add more if applicable. Not many nice photos today, I don't even particularly like Aish dress or photo (but she's a must here) so let's start with an amazing Tilda Swinton photo. (In case you forgot, click photo to see it in original size - which obviously looks better)

Day 1 at Cannes 2011

Finally the Fête started today with the Jury photocall where the only thing you could hear were photographers yelling Uma, Uma, Jude, Jude; was followed by a “normal” press conference.

Then we saw Woody Allen looking very uncomfortable both in the photocall and the press conference that was also attended by some of the Midnight in Paris cast: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Lea Seydoux, Michael Sheen, and Adrien Brody.

The red carpet was short -as always- with a very smiling Claudia Cardinale that still looks good walking with Frédéric Mitterrand (French Culture Minister if you wonder who he is), next we seeLambert Wilson, Agnes Varda, Emir Kusturica, and more until we see Martina Gusman, Olivier Assayas, very elegant and playful Uma; the jury walks the red carpet with a down-up camera take of Uma’s beautiful dress. As many are saying and I agree, this year’s jury is been called “beau” and yes, is quite good looking and easy to the eyes, lol! Faye and Jerry. Last walking the red carpet the Midnight in Paris director and actors; unfortunately Marion Cotillard was not there.

The Opening Ceremony

Melanie Laurent was not the best mistress of ceremony but at least during her boring monologue the camera turned to the audience and Aish! … wait Gong LI!!!! Mais oui, c’est Gong Li!!!! Had no idea she was going to be at Cannes, but the Most Beautiful Woman on Earth, as press calls Li, plus the Most Beautiful Woman in the World, as Aish is called, together in one place was truly priceless.

The jury comes in with Uma doing her spectacular entrance. Long but entertaining de Niro movie collage. Robert de Niro speaking French, pas mal. Crazy Melanie, not appropriate, but in the end all the women got up to dance... (good they sat!). Liked some rhythms but not all in the New York songs medley by Jamie Cullum. Want to see Michael, Pater and Naomi Kawase clips, the only ones I haven’t seen; too short. Honorary Palm to Bernardo Bertolucci; gosh I thought they were going to show the complete -very long- 1900! The best part of Gilles Jacob speech was watching again Gong Li and Aish!!! Uma looks very serious as well as Martina, Antonio, Melanie, and all the other actors in the audience that get screen time. And the phrase is coined: Habemus Palman (We have a Palm) which of course is also a reference to the movie by Moretti. Bertolucci got no reaction from Woody (he probably didn’t understood a word). Bertolucci opens the festival.

In general the opening ceremony was not really entertaining and thanks to the mistress of ceremony lost some of the glamour, elegance and protocol; but we have to recall that almost all Cannes ceremonies are not entertaining. We watch to see the film clips but this year most movies had clips and trailers before the fest began. I can complain whatever I want but I know that year after year will watch the ceremony. Sigh.

Opening ceremony is already up at official site and you can watch it here.

By this hour the ceremonial screening of Midnight at Paris is over, but as most of you know the press has a separate screening so if you wish to read reviews you will find them already up at many sites, just google the movie and you will find them; me, I avoid them as don’t want more spoilers than the ones I saw in one trailer. If you are wondering I don’t even watch the trailers at the trailer blog, with a few exceptions of course, but I know that many of you like to watch them.

Last, tonight was the press screening of Julia Leigh’s Sleeping Beauty so expect reviews around the net soon.

So this is it for the first day and the official activities tomorrow will be hectic, well more hectic than today but while we sleep a little, let’s take a look at what else happened today in Cannes.

Other Activities/Events

Today Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek arrive on water in a giant 22-foot-high pair of black boots to promote their movie Puss in Boots, browse the net to watch videos and photos. Lol!

The Not-So-Serious

After the live broadcast of the opening ceremony, Canal + had Le grand journal de Cannes with Lady Gaga where she sang here new single Judas which yes I saw it but soon came back to what matters: movies; nevertheless at the official site you will find only the video with the interview if you wish to watch it go here. Yes there also was a private concert at Hotel Martinez that surely developed into a huge party.

The Photos

There are so many beautiful photos from today events that’s not easy to chose which shall I share with you but these are my choices for Uma, Aish and Gong Li

Have to share this photo from May 12, 2004 at the opening ceremony of the 57th Festival de Cannes. They were young and beautiful, they’re still young and beautiful.

Last, a photo of the happy conversation at the opening ceremony and the Midnight at Paris cast.

Cannes Jury

The Jury is (obviously) in Cannes. Seem to have fun with Gilles Jacob and Thierry Frémaux at Hotel Martinez. Take a look.

Uma Thurman looks fabulous in these photos.

There is no clear photo of Martina Gusman just the most famous actors. I'm starting to feel like a paparrazo!! LOL!

The Light Side of Cannes 2011 – Part 2

Yesterday I left out so many “Big Hollywood Stars”, many greater Actors/Actresses and filmmakers that have to do a second post to complement the previous.

Thursday May 12
Today is Tilda Swinton day and she will walk the red carpet which is always an event.

Friday May 13
Always enjoy watching films by and with Nanni Moretti who will premiere his much anticipated movie Habemus Papam. Perhaps the only Korean director that I really understand will be seen today, Kim Ki-Duk.

Saturday May 14
Yes already talked about Pedro but this Pedro is Almodovar and has to be talked twice and many more times. Hope to enjoy his latest film that he claims is “different” to all his previous works, but know that just watching Elena Anaya, Antonio Banderas, and Marisa Paredes in an Almodovar film will be priceless.

Sunday May 15
The day of Cecile de France walking the red carpet with Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne nearby. At la Quinzaine is the day of Urszula Antoniak.

Monday May 16
From the main selection the film that surely will generate some scandalous buzz Bonello’s L’Apollonide Souvenirs de la maison close and we will watch the red carpet to see the some of the actresses that are in the trailer, of course wearing clothes. Won’t miss seeing beautiful Nadine Labaki.

Tuesday May 17
The day of Aki Kaurismäki!!! Plus I’ll watch Alain Cavalier and Vincent Lindon for sure. Yes is Jean-Paul Belmondo Tribute and we will watch some of his colleagues.

Wednesday May 18
One of my favorite directors will walk the red carpet: Lars von Trier! I’m so curious about Naomi Kawase film which is one of the few that hasn’t released a clip or trailer, for sure will watch the photo call, press release and red carpet for the film

Friday May 20
Paolo Sorentino’s first English movie will premiere and walking the red carpet Sean Penn and probably Frances McDormand sans husband (?). Also the Drive cast Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan and hopefully Christina Hendricks too. Today is the day of Bakur Bakuradze.

Saturday May 21
Great Radu Mihaileanu and surely Hafsia Herzi (remember her from The Secret of the Grain?). Waiting to catch a glimpse of two of my favorite directors: Nuri Bilge Ceylan and Andrei Zviagintsev.

Sunday May 22
So sad. The Party will be over.

So the above complements what we talked yesterday but today the first photos of the huge movie posters are starting to appear with movies like The Smurfs (yes the blue guys), Zookeeper (with Kevin James), Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s The Adventures of Tintin, Daniel Craig’s Cowboys & Aliens, Super 8, Transformers 3, Ender’s Game, Cars 2, Puss in Boots and with smaller displays many more mainstream movies plus others that are “for sale” in the huge world market that Cannes is inside buildings and outside in the street.

Today’s main gossip is that Lady Gaga will perform a special show that will be later broadcasted on Le Grand Journal TV show.

That’s it until tomorrow.

Cheers!!!

A pretty photo from today in Cannes

The Light Side of Cannes 2011

In one day (in France already is tomorrow) the Mother of all Festivals will start once more and already is creating big buzz in the net thanks to before the festival activities like the Chanel fashion show that happened on Monday May 9 night. But la Fête starts Wednesday night with the opening ceremony that still not sure if will be able to watch it live, let’s hope so I don’t have to wait until the recording becomes available.

This year Cannes expects a lot of “Big Hollywood Stars” starting Wednesday with the opening ceremony red carpet and some of the jury members like Robert de Niro, Uma Thurman and Jude Law; but also thanks to the opening movie Woody Allen, Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams will be walking the red carpet. No, Carla Bruni will not be there nor Marion Cotillard that unfortunately is pregnant, but let’s hope she will make a brief appearance even if doesn’t walk the red carpet. Last but not least we will see Mélanie Laurent that is this year Mistress of Ceremony and we can’t forget Bernardo Bertolucci who will get the first honorary Palm.

May 12 doesn’t seem to have many famous celebrities but I’m looking forward to “meet” two of the directors with movies in competition: Lynne Ramsay and Julia Leigh. Then of course have to catch what Gus Van Sant says about the Un Certain Regard opening film and after the amazing posters I’m looking forward to see Faye Dunaway. Yes, on this date Angelina Jolie will be busy at the Carlton promoting Kung Fu Panda 2.

May 13 is when we will have to see Johnny Depp! (still my best male celebrity/actor/etc. in the world – lol!) and Penelope Cruz will also be around. But most interesting is to see La divine Maïwenn as the French press calls her. Also today Brad Pitt in the red carpet that I imagine will walk it without Angelina.

Let’s jump a few dates or this will be long, let’s go to May 16 when Isabelle Huppert will present the Semaine de la Critique 50th anniversary film; but also this is the day when we will see Jodie Foster speaking French for sure. Then on May 18 is the day of Melancholia which means Charlotte Gainsbourg and Kristen Dunst.

My most awaited press conference will be on May 19 when Pedro Almodovar hopefully entertains us with his peculiar ways; also there Elena Anaya, Antonio Banderas who will come with the wife, Melanie Griffith.

Last (for today) on May 22 Catherine Deneuve and her daughter Chiara Mastroianni, la divine Ludivine Sagnier, and Louis Garrel will walk the red carpet plus we will peak who’s in the audience to guess the winners (lol!).

As there are so many other activities, actors/filmmakers promoting their films, parties, and many people just being there to grab some attention upon them, gossip says that Patrick Dempsey, Gwen Stefani, Sharon Stone (of course), P. Diddy, Black Eyed Peas and even George Clooney (at Roberto Cavalli yacht) could be around. LOL! I just imagine all the paparazzi going after them to capture the photos that will appear in all the gossipy publications; well after all Cannes is a source of employment and a source of business for many more people than the filmmakers.

Can’t deny that I also like to follow some of the light side of Cannes, especially everything related to Aishwarya Rai that OF COURSE this year will also be in Cannes as L’Oreal ambassador and promoting her new film "Heroine" that is still in pre-pre-pre production (lol!).

Anyway soon the greatest Cinema Party in the world will start and hope to have more fun than any other year while uncovering everything Cannes day by day.

Cheers!!!

55th David di Donatello Winners

Last Friday this year edition had the awards ceremony and here are some of the winners that give me more Italians movies to watch hopefully in the near future. Winners are in *RED.

Best Film
La Nostra Vita, Daniele Luchetti
Basilicata Coast to Coast, Rocco Papaleo
Benvenuti al Sud, Luca Miniero
*Noi Credevamo, Mario Martone
Una Vita Tranquilla, Claudio Cupellini

Best Director
*Daniele Luchetti for La Nostra Vita
Michelangelo Frammartino for Le Quattro Volte
Saverio Costanzo for La Solitudine dei Numeri Primi
Luca Miniero for Benvenuti al Sud
Mario Martone for Noi Credevamo
Claudio Cupellini for Una Vita Tranquilla
Paolo Genovese for Immaturi
Marco Bellocchio for Sorelle Mai

Best First Time Director
Edoardo Leo for Diciotto Anni Doppo
*Rocco Papaleo for Basilicata Coast to Coast
Aureliano Amadei for 20 Sigarette
Paola Randi for Into Paradiso
Massimilano Bruno for Nessuno Mi Puo’ Giudicare

Best Actress
Isabella Ragonese in La Nostra Vita
Alba Rohrwacher in La Solitudine dei Numeri Primi
Angela Finocchiaro in Benvenuti al Sud
*Paola Cortellesi in Nessuno Mi Puo’ Giudicare
Sarah Felberbaum in Il Gioiellino

Best Actor
*Elio Germano in La Nostra Vita
Vinicio Marchioni in 20 Sigarette
Claudio Bisio in Benvenuti al Sud
Kim Rossi Stuart in Vallanzasca Gli Angeli del Male
Antonio Albanese in Qualunquemente

To check nominations in all categories go here and to check winners in all categories go here.

In case you’re wondering why the film that was submitted to 2011 Oscar is not in the list check last year nominations to find that was nominated; so maybe one of this year nominations will end up being submitted for next Oscar. Can’t believe that Toni Servillo was not nominated, is a terrible omission but haven’t watch La Nostra Vita (too melodramatic for my taste) but maybe now will watch to see if Elio Germano was superior to Toni Servillo.

Una Vita Tranquilla (A Quiet Life)

Exactly my kind of movie thanks to great camera takes, nice outdoor/indoor framing, very good slowish pace that slowly very-slowly builds tension, and most of all an amazing performance by incredibly good Toni Servillo. It’s truly spectacular to watch this amazing actor that in this role has many moments where he speaks with facial expressions and particularly superb scenes where he says everything with his eyes.

A thriller by Claudio Cupellini that tells a very common story seen/told innumerable times but as someone said: never like this. It’s true never like how is told here but again is Servillo who makes story very fresh, almost like new. An ex-Camorra escapes his life of crime by faking his death while traveling from Naples to Germany where years after –now- has a wife (Julianne Köhler) and a nine year old son, is a chef that owns a popular restaurant and has a quiet life. But he gets the visit of two young Camorra hit men and as you can easily imagine, the past becomes Rosario Russo (Servillo) present and everything goes awry.

Almost told you the entire story, but is so common that is not guessing what will happen next (I did guess right) is watching how everything evolves and most of all how Servillo conducts the narrative with extraordinary ease allowing you to get inside the movie, like if you were there near him, watching him and living/feeling everything he’s living and feeling. Truly amazing and spectacular performance as good as … almost everything else he has done. What an exhausting cinematic experience, but very gratifying.

Cupellini’s film has above the norm tech specs with special mention to photography and one particular scene where Servillo is inside his car, we are outside, is raining, we can hardly see his face through the glass BUT we will know everything that he’s feeling by watching a slight movement in is left eye. Superb!!!

Was thinking that honestly this is a superior movie to the one submitted to the Oscar and wonder why was not chosen. Anyway the movie was in competition at the 2010 Rome fest where Servillo won the Best Actor award and believe me the honor is more than well-deserved.

Strongly recommend this movie that because the story I’m sure men will like it; but this movie is for adult audiences that enjoy excellent performances by Toni Servillo in a movie that’s a true example of good European cinema.

I’m still thinking about the movie, about what Rosario felt, about how sometimes the past becomes your present and always is not for good. Like the movie, but love Toni Servillo.

Enjoy!!!

Watch trailer @MOC