CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 1999

Day 1

Officially Open

It is that time of year once again when the second most media-covered event in the world following the Olympic Games opens for twelve days of star-studded strutting and celluloid dreams.

The Cannes Seascape

Out in the bay are a number of boats strewn about and one cruise liner. The shoreline is outlined by pointy-top white tents from end to end serving as stands and promotion areas. The pedestrian strip that lines the beach has masses of people walking back and forth, most of whom have identity badges attached somewhere to their rather summerish clothing identifying them as festivalites. The Grand Hotels lodging the movie importants are decorated with movie billboards and the fans are already coming out in numbers.

Tips for the fans

Plant yourself early in front of a Grand Hotel, like the Carlton where jury president David Cronenberg is staying, or the Palais des Festivals red-carpeted steps. The early birds get a better view and even a pic or two. Autograph hunters will fare better by night in the local clubs where the "big names" do go for a nightcap and are more relaxed.

	Opening Night As the tradition has it, the fans push in to see better, the photographers and cameramen push in for their front page shots; while the members of the jury and slew of stars arrive in chauffeur-driven limousines, glamorously pose for the demanding press and stop at certain microphones for a comment or two as they go up the Palais steps.
Among the glamorous women were Faye Dunaway as mascot for the Love film retrospective, Claudia Schiffer wearing a very low-cut top or Virginie Ledoyen exposing her navel as well as the French Culture Minister Madam Traumann in a long gown. French-resident English-born Kristin Scott-Thomas presented the opening ceremony, joined by Jeremy Irons and David Cronenberg declaring the 52nd edition officially open.
Opening Film Julia Ormond, leading lady, and Nikita Mikhalkov, director, were arm-in-arm going up the steps with the other members of the opening film: The Barber of Siberia. Director Mikhalkov began working on this film ten years ago and preferred that his final 3-hour version be screened out of competition. This romantic film is set in 19th century Russia, cost 40 million dollars to make, necessitated 3000 costumes, 5000 extras and 6 months to shoot. The press this morning did not seem enthralled. France's daily Liberation entitled their article "Le Raseur de Siberie" while Variety resounded the idea with "'Barber' could use a shave."
The Party Scene Last year parties such as the Blues Brothers or Armageddon were such a smashing success that the herds almost turned into riots. This year MTV is spreading the word that they are cutting back on the 5000 invitations and the general trend is for smaller more intimate parties and classier goodie bags.