The glamour that is the Cannes International Film Festival kicked off at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, off the coast of the French Riviera, on Wednesday. The massive event, widely considered to be the granddaddy of film festivals, will showcase several of the works already thought to be in the running for various awards next winter. Here are a few of the best Cannes will offer.
“The Bling Ring”
Writer and director Sofia Coppola’s dramatic reworking of the fame-obsessed teenage smugglers’ antics stars Katie Chang as Rebecca, the ringleader of the Los Angeles-based group. Emma Watson stars as Nicki, one of several vapid girls who wind up in legal trouble. Don’t expect Best Actress-level performances from this film, but the movie will surely be a summer hit. It will be released June 14.
“As I Lay Dying”
William Faulkner’s famous novel hits the big screen for the first time, starring James Franco as the second-eldest of the ubiquitous Bundren family, which spends the film attempting to fill their mother’s wish to be buried in a particular place. Franco’s first role as director may win him big awards at the festival; the film will compete for the Un certain regard award, presented to innovative works at the festival.
“The Past”
Directed by Asghar Farhadi, winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film for his 2011 film “A Separation,” “The Past” (Le Passé) is an immigrant romance in the backdrop of a messy separation and divorce. Bérénice Bejo (best known internationally for her lead role in the 2011 Best Picture winner “The Artist”) stars as Marie, the woman caught between two difficult relationships. Watch for “The Past” to complete strongly for the Palme d’Or, Cannes’ most prestigious film award.
“Fruitvale Station”
“Fruitvale Station” is a drama detailing the true story of a race-motivated murder in Oakland, Calif. The all-star cast, including Octavia Spencer and Melonie Diaz, features the up-and-coming actor Michael B. Jordan, known well for his television work in “The Wire” and “Friday Night Lights.” The film will also compete for Un certain regard.
