As a seasoned gamer with years of experience navigating through various cinematic worlds, I must say that Thierry Frémaux‘s insights into the intricate dance between blockbusters and indie films at the Cannes Film Festival truly resonates with my own gaming adventures. Just like in a role-playing game where you need a balance of high-octane action sequences and quiet, introspective moments, the festival curator understands that a successful film program requires both the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’s and the underdog indie films.
Thierry Frémaux, head of the Cannes Film Festival, has unveiled insights into the prestigious event’s impact and influence, revealing how the triumph of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ put global stars such as Tom Cruise under pressure with the fear of box office flops.
At the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Fremaux stated that in Cannes, larger films serve to safeguard smaller ones. He explained this by referring to Hollywood blockbusters and their role in providing an interesting blend of movies for cinephiles, by coexisting with independent and lesser-known productions.
Five days of programming in Cannes can’t just consist of radical films. Occasionally, you crave a comedy or an easier film. By the way, when we screened ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, it turned out to be a fantastic film, particularly for its genre as a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster,” Fremaux commented.
He emphasized this by saying, “It was indeed a success,” and then he continued, “However, Tom Cruise within that room felt tense and anxious about the audience’s response because he was in Cannes. You can sense it when a film doesn’t resonate well at Cannes.
In 2022, I found myself at the center of worldwide attention as “Cruise” and the “Top Gun” sequel made headlines! The thrill of fighter jets soaring over the Cannes Croisette was matched only by the shock and awe when the star received an unexpected Palme d’Or – what an honor!
Fremaux insisted each year brings a new film program to Cannes, a new crop of international filmmakers, emphasizing the stress that comes with maintaining the festival’s success in its film selection. “You learn every day. Every day you have success and failure. Everyday is like in sports. You have to go back to the ring and show that you didn’t lose anything,” he explained.
Although Cannes is located in France, Fremaux emphasizes that it’s a global festival where the focus is primarily on auteurs. He contends that cinema embodies an artistic essence, regardless of whether there’s a red carpet or marketplace. In his view, the most significant aspects are the films and their creators.
Fremaux stated that before every movie screening, the director will be invited to speak at the microphone about their work. He emphasized, “Regardless if Brad Pitt is working with an unestablished filmmaker, we won’t highlight Brad Pitt’s presence. Instead, we focus on the young filmmaker, demonstrating how crucial they are to us and underscoring that significance.
Fremaux is in Jeddah to premiere his latest documentary, Lumière! The Adventure Continues, a deep dive into the origins of cinema. The doc, a sequel to Frémaux’s Lumière! The Adventure Begins (2016), screens as part of the festival’s International Spectacular sidebar.
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2024-12-07 17:24