NEWS:  MAY 2013

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There were many famous movie stars today lining the red carpet at Cannes to attend the premiere of the Coen Brothers' latest film, "Inside Llewyn Davis." There was septuagenarian Jane Fonda, the beautiful Nicole Kidman with handsome hubby, Keith Urban, man-of-the-hour Justin Timberlake with his latest squeeze, Jessica Biel, "Shame" actress Carey Mulligan, the lovely Kirsten Dunst, John Goodman wearing a God-awful toupee, jury president Steven Spielberg and yes, Vincent Perez! In the top photo, he graciously signs autographs. I'm curious as to why Vincent appears so somber in these photos. Missing is that charming smile he flashes especially at gala events. And I'm not feeling Karine's leather jacket matched with an evening gown nor her hairstyle. What do you think? The first two photos show the couple with Daniele Thompson, Daniel Auteuil and his artist wife, Aude Ambroggi. I love Daniel! Favorite films? Two with Juliette Binoche - "The Widow of St.-Pierre" and Michael Haneke's "Caché".  Plus I recommend "Girl on the Bridge" and "Lucie Aubrac".

Cannes News: Most years Vincent has made an appearance at Cannes, not because his films are always screened, but simply because he lives in France, has many friends in the industry and receives invitations to attend film premieres. This month we might catch him in his Armani tuxedo on the red carpet, but the only confirmation of his presence in the south of France so far is his participation in the "Festival of Silence", begun in 2010. This event, scheduled for May 21, offers celebrities a spiritual interlude from the hustle and bustle of Cannes at the Abbey of of Lérins, on the island of Saint-Honorat, ten minutes from the sea and they can relax, share, and meditate at will. It is the oldest monastic community in Europe still in operation.

As part of the Cannes Classics, LA REINE MARGOT will have a screening. Twenty years have passed since Patrice Chéreau directed the film, which he presented at Cannes the following year. Now Chéreau will return to the Croisette, in the company of his cast, which may or may not include Vincent. For the 20th anniversary of the film’s release, Pathé beautifully restored the film.

Variety just reported from Cannes that Oscar-nominated Winona Ryder has been replaced in the upcoming production of THE PRICE OF DESIRE, a romantic period drama based on the life of architect Eileen Gray. All sources had indicated filming was to begin this month but obviously, that was not true. No filming schedule has yet to be disclosed. Shannyn Sosamon, an unfamiliar name, but definitely a look-alike for Ms. Ryder, will now play Gray, which should lighten up the financial budget.

Vincent has been cast as the famous Swiss/French architect Le Corbusier and Alanis Morissette will play Gray's lover Marisa Damia. EG Film Productions Limited, Lightstream Pictures and Saga Film will produce the film with Mary McGuckian directing. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched to help restore Gray's French villa, where some of the film will be shot. Entertainment One is set to distribute the film in France and Canada.

Chinese actress-director Zhao Wei and Vincent were guests of honor at the opening of the 3rd Chinese Film Festival on May 13 at the Gaumont Champs-Elysées Marignan. The festival, jointly chaired by Jérôme Seydoux, co-chairman of Pathé group, and Yin Fu, director of the China Cultural Centre in Paris, runs from May 13 to June 19. Besides a photocall, a press conference was held at the Hotel Meurice, which included Vincent and Ms. Wei, as well as actress Bingyan Yan and director Zhang Yang.  As a special ambassador, Vincent said, "Film festivals are good platforms to nurture the French curiosity and interest in Chinese film and culture." Be sure to check out the photo gallery.

The DVD of UN PRINCE (PRESQUE) CHARMANT will become available in Region 2 on May 15. The romantic comedy, starring Vincent and Vahina Giocante, opened in theaters back in January. Penned by Luc Besson, the film received mediocre reviews and failed to succeed at the box office with criticism aimed mainly at the unimaginative script.