This French Riviera resort is buzzing with the sounds of jack hammers, drills and cell phones. You know what that means? The 53rd Cannes Film Festival starts today. Other sure signs of French madness: Yachts parallel parking in the harbour as the beach cabanas and hotel suites set up for business; and, hordes of fans, armed with cameras and smiles, circling the Palais as the famous red carpet is prepared.
Besides the soirees, the haute couture, the topless beaches and the star gazing, there’s more to the fest than the coveted and sometimes controversial grand prize, the Palme d’Or. There are actually, yes, films shown here.
The historic drama “Vatel,” starring Gerard Depardieu and Uma Thurman (who was spotted in the lobby, sans husband, in all of her tall gloriousness), is the event’s opening screening.
The festival is one part “show” and one part “business.” The Cannes market, with its convention-like demeanor, has 2700 films to buy and sell. These movies feature such luminaries as Peter Falk and Woody Allen as well as soon-to-be-discovered stars of tomorrow.
The fun runs through May 21.
