After almost a week in France, I'm starting to feel less like an obnoxious American and learning to blend in a bit more. Though the 50 or so words I know in French don't get me very far, I've mastered the blank stare and head nod. You continue to do any one of these moves and people just start speaking English eventually.
Even as I sit here drinking the French national water (wine) I can't believe week I've had. First the 14 hour plane ride, then the suicidal, white-knuckle taxi ride from Nice to Juan les Pin, and finally the festival. The first day was intense. Two of the movies I tried to go see were full. I saw one sort of weird one and one sort of cute one, then got dressed to beg for the opening premiere of Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom". After an hour of standing around, begging like a gypsy, I still didn't get it. About a dozen Grady students decided to commiserate at the American Pavilion and enjoy some overpriced beer. When we came out, we were stopped by a newly set up red carpet and blockades that we could walk right up to. Across from us, fans and press were lined up. We realized that the stars from the premiere would parade out after the movie was over and set up camp, and a parade it was. Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Eva Longoria, Bernice Bejo, ALEC BALDWIN, and many others all walked about 7 feet in front of us. We even got Wes Anderson and Jessica Chastain to sign autographs. They were so warm and receptive, looked us in the eyes and thanked us for coming, made me have faith in celebrities. Needless to say we were starstruck and no longer cared that we didn't get to see the movie. I was able to catch it the next day and it was worth the wait; one of my favorites so far.
As if that wasn't enough, the next day, after more good movies in the market, I got into the premiere of Rust and Bone, another competition film starring Marion Cotillard, whom I adore. Getting a ticket means you get to walk the red I carpet and watch the movie with the cast as they're seeing the finished version for the first time. The whole night might have been the highlight of my life thus far, it was just a dream come true. The movie is definitely my favorite so far and had such a powerful story, I highly recommend it. Today I had yet another interesting experience. I went to the 11:00 screening of "Beasts of the Southern Wild," a movie that got rave reviews when it played at Sundance. I was a little surprised when a man got up on stage to introduce the film since that normally doesn't happen. He was speaking French, of course, so I was a little surprised when the director and cast walked down the aisle and sat on my same row! It was cool to watch it with them and see the reception they get from the audience. Definitely another cool experience, followed by another day of good movies.
The festival is only three days in and I've already collected enough stories to last me every cocktail party I'll ever attend, but I don't want it to end! It's just the most fabulous experience and I am so grateful to be here. More to come, including reviews!
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