The Festival begins for me with the screening of the first chapter of Kevin Costner's film Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1, and his emotional aftermath. The actor-director-writer-producer had tears in his eyes at the six-minute standing ovation from the audience at the Théâtre Lumière. The 1,000-seat theater, complete with orchestra and balcony, impresses the teams who come to present their films. A camera films the film crew. The images are transmitted live to the theater's screen, allowing spectators to see the team and hear the director's speech at the end of the screening.
The substance is a disappointing film, which didn't shake anyone up, contrary to what some journalists wrote. In particular, there's a casting problem. Demi Moore, who is supposed to portray an older actress who has become a has-been, is dazzlingly charismatic and sexy, much more so than Margaret Qualley, her younger double, created thanks to the substance.
A remarkable biopic, The Apprentice traces the rise of the young Donald Trump thanks to conservative lawyer Roy Cohn, the birth of a cynical, cruel monster who will surpass his master. The acting of Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan is exceptional.
Maria retraces the descent into hell of actress Maria Schneider, following the film Le Dernier Tango à Paris in 1972. 50 years on, this tribute film resonates with current events. Emotions ran high following the screening. Anamaria Vartolomei impressed in almost every shot.
For ten days or so, the city of Cannes is at the height of cinema, which is on display everywhere in the city. Dozens of white bungalows and pavilions line the Croisette, housing delegations from over 90 countries. Every evening, at 9:30pm, the beach cinema is open to all, for film and cartoon screenings.
The Cannes Film Festival is also a bonfire of vanities, like the "princesses" evening at the Carlton, or the photo session at the Majestic Hotel, which uses falcons to chase away the pigeons that cause trouble in this world of luxury.
If the festival is the center of attention, the film market is the economic lung. Every year, it welcomes some 14,000 professionals who come to make deals. As you stroll around the stands, you'll come across some amazing film posters. See you next year!
Photos: Sabine Chevrier / Mulderville