Cannes, 5/24.

In the New York Times, AO Scott spots a running motif: "Given that a theme of the recent French presidential election was a perceived national identity crisis, it is possible to imagine the present cluster of pro-French movies by non-French directors as a kind of friendly reassurance. Hey, these filmmakers seem to be saying, don't be so down on yourselves. We love you."

"It's been a long time since we've seen a festival this good." Signandsight translates a dispatch by Daniel Kothenschulte for the Frankfurter Rundschau. "Thierry Fremaux, the festival's artistic director, has had a terrific idea, and it's a wonder no one thought of it before. He simply puts the best films he can get his hands on into the competition. It's so simple, and before you know it everyone's in a good mood. Provided they've got nothing against a radical, demanding film aesthetic, that is."

AJ Schnack cedes the floor to Denver Film Festival programmer Brit Whithey.

George the Cyclist is sending concise dispatches.

"The parties, the formal wear, the red carpet - all conspire to create what is known as the 'Cannes experience,' as fantastic as Disneyland," blogs Shane Danielsen at the Guardian. "Yet this year reality, knotty and distressing, keeps breaking in - both onscreen and off."

IndieWIRE on dealmaking and Romania's pavilion.

At Zoom In Online, Christina Kotlar goes to market and contemplates the future of cinema.

Matt Dentler and Cinematical's James Rocchi have snapped more photos.

Posted by dwhudson at May 24, 2007 8:03 AM