The world’s most celebrated film festival, The Cannes Film Festival, kicks off today. As usual, the Indians gracing the red carpet include Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and more. However, for the first time in a decade, not a single Indian film has been selected this year. Quite disheartening, no? Nonetheless, there’s a great line up of films which are going to be showcased at the 72nd edition of the film festival. While we can’t be physically present at Cannes, to witness the action live, here are some films which we are super excited to catch!
1. The Dead Don’t Die
Jim Jarmusch’s star-studded zombie movie, The Dead Don’t Die, is all set to open the 72nd Cannes Film Festival. The comedy in which the undead battle the local cops, Bill Murray, Chloë Sevigny and Adam Driver, will also compete for the Palme d’Or, which is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival.
2. Les Misérables
French-Malian filmmaker Ladj Ly’s Les Misérables is one of the only two African films screening at the Cannes Film Festival this year. The film is based on the director’s powerful 2017 short film of the same name. It’s an enticing tale about power and control. The title, originally a play on the classic novel by Vitor Hugo, has been the basis for numerous film, TV, and stage adaptations before. However, this one is poised to offer a more jolting, immediate tale.
3. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is also in the competition for the Palme d’Or. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt, this one is set in Los Angeles in 1969 against the backdrop of the murders committed by the Manson “family”.
4. The Lighthouse
The biggest title set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, The Lighthouse is directed by Robert Eggers. This fantasy horror based on old seafarer myths stars Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. The movie was shot in black and white and is backed by A24, who picked up last year’s Directors’ Fortnight favourite “Climax.”
5. Rambo V: Last Blood
Sylvester Stallone aka John Rambo will debut exclusive images of his final outing as Rambo at the Cannes film festival this year! A video montage honouring him for his 50-year career in film and TV will be played at the screening and there will be a showcase of the world premiere of Ted Kotcheff’s “Rambo: First Blood” in 4K at the Grand Théâtre Lumière.
6. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is the third film from the award-winning team behind “Senna” and “Amy,”. Directed by Asif Kapadia and produced by James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin this film tells the story of Maradona who regarded as one of the best players of during his time at Italian club Napoli in the 1980s. The movie traces his on and off the pitch exploits in Italy.
7. Rocketman
Music icon Elton John’s biopic, Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film focuses on John’s emergence as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music to becoming a music superstar. It will also show bits on his partnership with songwriting collaborator Bernie Taupin.
8. Frankie
Frankie, an American French drama film, directed by Ira Sachs would also premiere at the Cannes film festival. The film stars Isabelle Huppert as a famous French actress, who after learning she has only months to live, gathers her family for one last holiday in Sintra, Portugal.
9. Wounds
The movie begins when disturbing things start happening with a bartender after he picks up a phone left behind at his bar. It’s directed by Babak Anvari and stars Armie Hammer, Dakota Johnson and Zazie Beetz.
Featured Image Source: Variety/The Wrap
