May 20th

7:15am:  My alarm rings, Tarantino is calling. I bolt out of bed, get dressed and head over to the Lumiere.

7:30am: Despite a long line-up I get a good balcony seat, about half-way back from the screen and just off to the right.  The film doesn't start until 8:30, so I have to sit for an hour while the theatre fills in.  I contemplate dozing off but I'm worried I'll snore.  I sit there bored and tired.

8:30am:  If there is one thing you can count on in Cannes, it's that the movies always start on time.  The lights go down, and up comes picture.

11am:  Two and a half hours later a few people clap half-heartedly.  The mood is mixed, but I loved it.  The film is an excellent satire and campy romp that playfully re-writes history.  The performances are fantastic and over the top.  Especially German TV star Christoph Waltz, who plays Col. Hans Landa.  Brad Pitt isn't afraid to make fun of himself, and Melanie Laurent is stunning as Shosanna.  It is beautifully shot and art directed.  The sound mix could use some work, but I understand that the film isn't fully completed yet.  The film is packed full of great references, and at one point I swear the score incorporated the iconic  "Emperor's March" from Star Wars.  I can't wait to see it again.

12 noon: Satisfied, I take a nap.

3pm:  My last real bit of business before the festival is over.  I attend a 2 hour speed dating session that is supposed to pair new talent with producers.  I meet a couple of characters who give me scripts and demos and shorts to watch, but no projects really grab me and overall it's a bit of a let down. 

5:00pm:  My wife has returned to Cannes.  She did a 3 day bike tour through Burgandy with a friend of hers.  I'm jealous of her.  After a week in Cannes, all I want is some peace and quiet.  I need home for a rest.

9pm:  After a nice diner in the old part of town, we head back to our room.  This is my last night in Cannes.  Tomorrow we're going to spend the night in Nice in preparation for our 8am flight Friday morning.  I might arrange one last meeting with some Irish producers for tomorrow morning, but we'll see.... I also want to try and spend the afternoon on a beach. Since arriving, I haven't swam in the ocean, not even to dip my toes.

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