The 74th Cannes Film Festival kicked off with a star-studded red carpet on July 6th, signaling the return of the film industry after a year’s break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the most highly anticipated events was the premiere of Leos Carax’s musical romance Annette, which stars Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. The film, which follows the tragic romance between a stand-up comedian and an opera singer, received rave reviews from both critics and audiences.
However, the opening day of the festival was not without controversy. Johnny Depp, who was granted permission to attend the festival despite allegations of domestic abuse by his ex-wife Amber Heard, made a surprise appearance on the red carpet. He was promoting his latest film, Minamata, a biographical drama about a photographer who documents the effects of mercury poisoning on Japanese citizens.
Depp’s appearance at the festival was met with mixed reactions. Supporters of Amber Heard launched the #CannesYouNot campaign on social media, calling for Depp to be banned from attending the festival. However, Depp appeared unfazed by the criticism and even took the opportunity to troll his detractors by flashing a “Cannes You Not” sign to photographers.
In response to the controversy surrounding Depp’s attendance, Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Fremaux defended the festival’s decision to allow him to attend. In an interview with Breaking News, he stated that the festival “is a place where everyone can express themselves freely,” adding that it is not the festival’s role to “take a moral or ethical stance.”
Aside from the controversy, the opening day of the festival was a triumph for French cinema, with several French films receiving critical acclaim. Appearances by French stars such as Tahar Rahim, Lou Doillon, and Lea Seydoux added to the festival’s glamorous atmosphere.
Other notable films premiering at the festival included Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, Sean Penn’s Flag Day, and Paul Verhoeven’s Benedetta. The festival will continue until July 17th, with screenings of over 60 films from around the world and appearances by stars such as Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, and Adam Driver.
Overall, the 74th Cannes Film Festival proved to be a successful return for the film industry after a challenging year. While controversies and scandals may have dominated the headlines, the festival’s celebration of cinema and the sheer talent on display demonstrated that the magic of film is alive and well.
