[Article by Brian Brooks/indieWIRE, photo by Eugene Hernandez/indieWIRE]
Alright, it isn't quite the morning, but it is nevertheless the day after last night's world premiere of "Star Wars Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith." The build-up to the premiere was quite spectacular. As mentioned elsewhere in indieWIRE, the Cannes planners did a tremendous job building the tension outside the Palais where huge throngs of people were waiting to watch the red carpet arrival of all their "Star Wars" favorites.
The sound of Darth Vader's distinct breathing was piped through speakers, and George Lucas and some of the film's actors played the crowd by wading into the the sea of bystanders, which of course, caused the crowd to erupt. I was wearing my "Star Wars" badge during the day because I was afraid I'd lose it (I wasn't trying to show off), but it did grab the attention of people in the American Pavilion where I typically work while I'm here. I was really expecting the party to be a real blow-out, considering the huge show going on outside the screening, and the fact that the movie is going to make a gazillion dollars/euros/yen/pounds and just by the fact that it was hands down, the most hyped event at this year's Cannes. But, I have to say, the party was pretty ordinary.
No over the top sumptuous feast, just minimal hors d'oeuvres, and a crowded space. I feel a bit ungrateful saying that, but it was just like any old party, not quite what one would expect for a "Star Wars" party. I was also hoping they'd theme it up a bit with some "Star Wars" accouterment, but there were only several Strom-troopers standing on the red carpet for people to take pictures with. I was also hoping they'd have that background music playing at that bar from the original "Star Wars," but alas... not.
Maybe Chewbacca was hanging in the VIP room along with George and Hayden and the gang along with the Weinsteins, who were rumored to be there in the main party.
Anyway, there are a lot of things worse to complain about than an unexciting film party, but this is "The Morning After" report, so there it goes... The good news is that most everyone I spoke with liked the movie, with some saying it was the second best one of the entire series. Tonight's round of parties include a soiree for director David Cronenberg at the Majestic Hotel, a Brazilian party for "Cidade Baixa," a New Line party for the "A History of Violence," also at the Majestic (happening place that Majestic) and a party for German cinema up in the hills at a villa.
Tonight gala premiere is Lars von Trier's "Manderlay," which I also heard was quite good. Von Trier went off at the press conference this morning, calling George W. Bush an "Asshole" as well as other colorful tidbits (What do you really think Lars?) so perhaps the party tonight for his film will be equally as colorful. We didn't score an invite to that though, but still... there will be plenty to do. You'll get the skinny from tonight here (hopefully a little earlier). God bless and cheers...