Elsewhere on the official screening front, the Russians are not fairing so well. Alexandre Sokourov's Moloch, a day in the life of Eva Braun and Adolf Hitler shot in Russian and dubbed in German, did not enthrall the critics, while the out of competition screening of The Limey by Cannes' youngest director to win the Palme d'or (Sex, Lies and Videotape in 1989) Steven Soderbergh brought together two charming veteran actors: Peter Fonda and Terence Stamp.

Around town

Cannes' reputation as a dangerous city seems to be increasingly true. From the bomb that was found at the onset of the festival to the aggression towards two directors leaving a nightclub last night, the adrenaline levels run high on the Croissette. Sean Connery was not taking any chances even if not in service for her royal majesty with 17 bodyguards. And no wonder the tension is rising with traffic jams a constant, elbow to elbow pedestrian room only on the sidewalks, lines to get into films that match those at Disneyland and restaurant service rather snail-paced. To top it off, the cell phones were in a state of dysfunction during a couple of hours in the prime of the afternoon.

For its eleventh year straight, the American Pavilion cut its ribbon and opened its doors. Peter Fonda was invited to officiate the opening ceremonies. Other than an American hangout, the Pavilion offers various seminars, the first one entitled Beyond 2000:Global Entertainment Challenges in the New Millennium.

French actor Michel Piccoli was honored for his prolific and varied acting career today. He was seen going up the Palais steps with actress Anouk Aimee on one arm and his wife on the other. In a French frame of mind, other French actresses also present included Sandrine Kimberlain with French-resident Jane Birkin, together promoting a film they just completed entitled Only You. Elodie Bouchez who shared the Best Actress award last year was also present in town promoting Lovers by actor Jean-Marc Barr.