Eureka awards at Cannes

[gregory starr]

>That's interesting because the Japanese press took pains to say that
>barely anyone walked out of the screening.  Even Yakusho was quoted as
>saying he was glad few walked out.

Aaron,
It "is" interesting.  I guess you had to be there getting annoyed,
gathering all your bags and things and standing up every few minutes to let
people by as your row, and the rows around you, emptied, and at
the empty press conference.  But don't take my word for it; here's
The Hollywood Reporter: "The walkouts during the screening
should serve as a good indication of audiences' tolerance for slack artistic
controls."

But that's my point.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not slagging off
the film or those that chose it as their personal favorite.
My point is that there is a very insular kisha club mentality
among much of the Japanese press at Cannes, and the
hype tends to get pretty thick and self-serving--and often unrealistic.
Cheers,
Greg Starr
Premiere Japan