Why Woody isn't coming
Variety's Allison James reported some inside dope this morning about why Woody Allen's Cassandra's Dream wasn't included in the Cannes Film Festival lineup: "The new British crimer, starring Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell, was offered the closing night slot," she wrote, "but discussions came to an end when Allen balked at that idea."
Allen got pissy, in all likelihood, because being offered the closing-night slot is generally regarded as a friendly backhanded compliment. Draw your own conclusions about how Cassandra's Dream stacks up in the eyes of the festival programmers compared to Allen's Match Point, which was given a prime middle-of-the-festival slot two years ago.
I happened upon a massive plot spoiler on the Cassandra's Dream Wikipedia page, and all I'll say is that it's a very dark piece -- considerably darker than Match Point. Okay, one other thing: the most literal interpretation of the title is that it's the name of a sailing craft.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on April 19, 2007 at 6:14 PM
comment #1
JD
says ...
Woody is very complicated when it comes to this sort of thing. On one hand, it would seem insulting that Match Point wasn't in the competition but, oh yeah, Woody doesn't allow his movies to compete. So he wants to be respected... but he doesn't want too much respect? Something about this story doesn't add up.
Posted by JD
at April 19, 2007 6:38 PM
comment #2
p.Vice
says ...
Well, everyone is aware that the closing night movie is always something that pretty much blows, so I guess Woody figured people should actually see the movie before realizing what a disappointment it is.
Posted by p.Vice
at April 20, 2007 7:22 AM
comment #3
arch451
says ...
Darker than Match Point? Now I'm intrigued.
Posted by arch451
at April 20, 2007 9:17 AM
comment #4
christian
says ...
i'm most interested by the phillip glass score -- it's the first time woody has used a real composer since marvin hamlisch (!)
Posted by christian
at April 20, 2007 9:39 AM