Cannes 1995

Abstract

CANNES, THE 48th YEAR -- overcrowded, frequently lost in confusion, outrageously overpriced, an event at which art and idealism, once the hallmarks of the festival, now find it difficult in making their presence felt above the din of the circus entertainment, the crass commercialism and the exploitation of demeaning films. This, the most famous film festival of them all, has become too large for its own good and the ever-increasing costs of mounting it means that whatever makes money becomes the prime consideration of its managers. Once a venue only for people working in film and its related activities, Cannes has now become a public palace for a feverish scramble to see motion pictures most of which may well be playing in regular cinemas within a few months. True, reputations can still be made in spite of the disadvantages, with some filmmakers becoming favourites of the festival circuit, with...