Cannes Diary Day 2 was a day when strategic planning is a necessity when coming to Cannes. One has to pre-plan the day and also have backup plans in case some plans don’t happen. In the morning I attempted to get into two screenings but as they were Market screenings (for buyers) and not press screenings I was not able to get in.
Nonetheless, as mentioned, back up plans were in place.
‘A Translator’ was a beautiful film about, yes you guessed it, a translator in Cuba who helped out victims of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster. It’s a true story based on the actual incident and real-life people – look for this film in cinemas later this year. ‘American Lions’ was a Miami Vice-style American film about a young man involved in Miami’s underground world.
Later in the afternoon drink parties at both the Quebec and Greek pavilions – luckily by then the rain had stopped. Then early evening hit The Members Club party right on the beach – great crowd, and the drinks and canapés were flowing.
But the highlight of the day was attending the 10:30 pm red carpet premiere of Lars Von Trier’s 155-minute ‘The House That Jack Built.’ Matt Dillon plays a serial killer in this very dark and black drama/comedy. It’s an unusual film, and one brutal and gory scene (in true Lars Von Trier fashion) saw several people get up and leave – (and very dramatic in a Cannes/French film festival sort of way). But Dillon is superb, and when the film was over (at 1:30 a.m. !) there was thunderous applause, well deserved for a film that is very original and outside the box – way outside the box.
Bring on day 3!