Perhaps reflecting the vaguaries of the weather, there are only 19 films in competition at Cannes this year instead of the usual 20 to 22 – and all of them are directed by men.
The action kicks off with Ridley Scott’s “Robin Hood” which is showing out of competition to open the festival.
Films from Asia make a strong showing in the competition this year. From South Korea comes The Housemaid and Poetry. China and Thailand are also competing for the Palm d’Or.
Director Tim Burton is the president of the jury this year and says he’s excited to be in Cannes.
Thierry Frémaux, the festival’s artistic director said: “We have known him for a long time, he has been a part of the competition and he is a generous man, he’s very open and nice. And we like his talent, it is enough for him to be president of the jury, his legitimacy is enough, but more than that he is a movie buff.”
Michael Douglas reprises his 1987 role in Oliver Stone’s sequel “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps”.
