The films of the day were unable once again to budge the Palme d'Or favorite Almodovar's All About My Mother.

First there was Jim Jarmusch's Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, an absurd view of an American hit man played by Forest Whitaker living by the code of Japanese samurai. This treatment of society outsiders falls completely into the Jarmusch style as this film follows 1995 Dead Man with Johnny Depp. Full of killings but lacking in character interaction, Whitaker's character Ghost Dog is decidedly hip hop and the film a deception for the critics labeling it strictly easy entertainment.

La Balia (The Nanny) by Marco Bellocchio was not a Cannes hit but considered one of the filmmaker's most satisfying works. Set in early 1900`s and based on a short story by Pirandello, the plot centers on a triangle of persons: inadequate and guilt-ridden new mother, wealthy psychiatrist husband who calls in a young nanny to help.

Camera d'Or buzz went to Sofia Coppola (yes, daughter of the famous other) for her adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides novel The Virgin Suicides. Not a woman director in the Official Selection, yet six are present in the Directors Fortnight including Coppola's entry.

In town

Ron Howard and Liz Hurley were plastered all over the papers promoting Howard's Ed TV being shown out of competition.

David Lynch finally arrived by train for his Friday screening of The Straight Story in competition.

A distant niece of Karl Marx, Katherina, showed up in Cannes attempting to transform modeling career into acting one.

Faye Dunaway has been omnipresent during this 52 edition as the mascot of the Films d'Amour retrospective. She refused the title role that Deneuve played in Pola X by Leos Carax, and is considering playing Maria Callas for her next project.

Michele Mercier was invited guest of honor smiling as she climbed the Palais steps. Other honored French personality, Francis Veber, author of 27 comedies including his recent Le Diner de Cons that he may also do the remake in Los Angeles to be produced by Steven Spielberg.

Director Spike Lee, in town for Directors Fortnight showing of Summer of Sam about serial killer Son of Sam, was seen at the American Pavilion speaking about his film.

Young British actors Jude Law and Sadie Frost (pictured here) were in town partying to promote film Final Cut written, produced and directed by Dominic Anciano.