The first screening of Arnaud Desplechin's "Un Conte de Noel", which is entered in the Festival's competition, took place this morning at 8:30 for the press. The 2 hour and 30 minute film featured 9 actors and explored the relationship between family, illness, and medicine.

As they exited, members of the press appeared fatigued and nonplussed. One journalist went as far to say it was unbelievable that he went into the movie at 8:30, and when he came out it was already lunch time.

Other viewers commented that the film had too many people, too many stories, and too much going on. One viewer shared with us that although it was a formidable production, it was too long, and he felt himself being bored by the end of the film.

Although some felt "Un Conte de Noel" was original, complex, and interesting, the general consensus was that the film's complexity was too overwhelming.