63rd Cannes Film Festival kicks off with Robin Hood

by Marla Lewin

We arrived in Cannes and went right to the Carlton hotel and I said hello to Brian Grazer in the lobby, who said he was excited to be in Cannes for the opening night premiere of his film Robin Hood! We had flown in on the same plane as Donna Langley co-chairman of Universal. We were all relieved when the airline held our connecting flight to Nice because our Los Angeles flight had been late. We had heard rumors in the airport that officials were considering closing airports if the volcano erupted again.

I met a woman in the lobby having coffee, who said her french was bad so she had been living in Australia for the last several years. I laughed and told here that only spending two weeks a year in France for the festival my French only started kicking in fully just as I get ready to leave. She was hoping to catch a glimpse of Russell Crowe.  

The whole town was working in high mode in preparation for the festival and the  economic boost that the festival provides. They have suffered through a couple of tough weeks with the volcanic ash threat, and an eighteen foot tidal wave that effected the Croisette earlier in the week.

At the press conference, Cate Blanchette looked radiant.  We last saw her two years ago at the Indiana Jones premiere looking quite pregnant, This year most of the questions from the press were addressed to Russell Crowe and uber-producer Brian Grazer.  

Cate responded to a question about a sequel by saying she hadn't been asked yet since Robin Hood was just opening.  Russell said he felt auntie confident, and happily answered any questions regarding rugby, and his bands. Someone asked him what he thought Robin Hood would be like if he lived today. Russell said Robin would probably seek tolerance in a global world. The one historic reference was that the egoist King John's bad behavior actually effected the political movement that eventually led to the Declaration of Independence, otherwise, we made everything up.

Brian glazer commented he had been in  Cannes many times with different films and experiences. He referenced The Da Vinci Code, which was not well reviewed but went on to do enormous business around the world. He also remembered being here with The Changeling with Angelina Jolie, and commented on how much Cannes loves Clint Eastwood.  He had fear when he premiered  the John Waters directed, Cry-Baby.  This is an opportunity to capture the whole world's attention. It is an honor to be selected.  

Matt Lauer arrived today to open the American Pavilion with the French ambassador. Many pavilions had events today with ambassadors and stars in attendance including the Indian Pavilion which pointed to its investment in Dreamworks and other Hollywood companies.

It will be a busy week with hundreds of movies premiering in the many competitive categories as well as in the market.