The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 2082 Seeing flowers in the mist
Rhys felt a little nervous, not for any particular reason, but simply because there were many people. With so many people, things could easily spiral out of his control.

However, seeing Anson beaming with joy and excitement, Rhys couldn't help but be infected by his enthusiasm.

He was beginning to understand Noah's meaning; Cannes was indeed different, and it seemed there was nothing to worry about.

Not only does Anson see the world differently, but others also seem to see Anson differently—

"What! Really?!"

“I heard that when ‘Fun Games’ was screened at the Lumière Hall, a group of audience members stormed out halfway through, and everyone said it was a disaster.”

"You mean, this is Haneke's intention, that he wants to see this happen?"

The chatter wasn't limited to the bald man; people in the next line also joined in the discussion. They could see Anson, but they weren't surprised.

Anson also seemed to take it for granted, saying, "Yes. In an interview I read, Haneke said this. Deep down, he actually hoped the audience would leave because it meant their moral bottom line had been crossed, that they couldn't accept such blatant and naked violence, and that they would refuse to watch the movie."

Niles was dumbfounded. "What about the audience who stayed?"

Anson shrugged slightly. "Judging from Haneke's creative intentions, staying means that he has begun to get used to or even accept this violent world. I think this is not a good thing; he is obviously very disappointed that so many people stayed in the Lumière Hall."

Wow!
A gasp of surprise rippled through the room, followed by a cacophony of voices and astonishment on every face, as the debate intensified.

Niles gave a wry smile. "I hate to admit it, but I did watch it all in one go. Even though I felt offended and even uncomfortable, I still finished it."

Anson tilted his head. "When you acknowledge this and start to think and reflect, things are different. I think that's the power of Haneke's films; the visual language itself is impactful, sometimes even more brutal and profound than the plot itself."

Niles glanced at Anson again. "...To be honest, I thought you were going to the premiere of 'Match Point'."

Anson laughed, "There are so many people there, one more or one less won't make a difference, so there's no need for me to join in the fun."

Niles, "But none of them are Anson Wood."

“Oh, thank you, I’m a little touched. Although I know you’re being sarcastic.” Niles panicked again before Anson could finish speaking, which made Anson laugh out loud and wave his hand, “Just kidding, I was just kidding.”

“I mean, Anson as an actor can be seen anywhere else, but this is Cannes. Cannes!” Anson couldn’t contain his excitement. “This is the first time I’ve ever attended a whole film festival!”

Niles, "The whole thing?"

Anson: "Yes, the entire festival, from the opening ceremony to the closing ceremony. I studied the screening schedule for several days and finally found a schedule that suited me. I tried to avoid being greedy and not exceed my capabilities, but to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the film festival."

Niles: ...

Suddenly, he felt a pang of guilt.

They kept mocking Anson's enthusiasm as a movie fan. Whatever the initial reason, deep down they were arrogant and prejudiced because they didn't believe that someone as high and mighty as Anson could genuinely like those movies as they did as ordinary movie fans.

However, Anson is also an ordinary person, just like them when it comes to liking movies. No wonder people always say that Hollywood and the world of fame and fortune are always shrouded in mist and cannot be seen clearly. The good and the bad are the same. If you only rely on hearsay, it is often not the truth. Only by getting closer and experiencing it with your own eyes and ears can you touch some of the truth.

“So, what about ‘walking with the song’?” Niles seized on a key point.

Anson sighed, “It’s a shame, but that day had to be cleared out, so much so that I had to give up two works in the Un Certain Regard section. God, I hate work.”

Niles paused, then burst out laughing. "I can relate to that. I hate work too. Even vacations on the French Riviera are torture."

Seeing Anson's disbelieving look, Niles said, "The first two days were full of anticipation and excitement, but believe me, I couldn't hold on from the third day onwards. After that, I could hardly watch anymore. I just hoped this damn film festival would end as soon as possible."

“But?” Anson added.

Niles said with a hint of helplessness, "But... when the film festival is really over, there is a sense of emptiness, a nostalgia after the exhaustion. It doesn't take long before you start looking forward to coming to Cannes again next year. It's all a cycle."

“Just like life,” Anson said.

Niles paused for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Indeed, just like life."

In early summer of 2005, the 58th Cannes Film Festival slowly opened.

Amidst the overwhelming and dazzling spotlight, "Match Point" took the lead, with Woody Allen and Scarlett Johansson making a dazzling appearance to kick off the annual movie extravaganza. The star-studded red carpet captivated countless photographers, igniting a wave of excitement.

Some may try to deny it or turn a blind eye, but the undeniable fact is that the appeal and buzz surrounding Hollywood movies are truly remarkable.

Since the turn of the millennium, the Cannes Film Festival has consistently attempted to generate buzz and attract attention through its opening film, but without achieving the desired effect. This year, however, Thierry Frémaux, in his first term as director, faced pressure and criticism, and extended an olive branch to Hollywood, inviting Woody Allen to participate.

Amidst a chorus of doubts and concerns, "Match Point" was a resounding success, sending the French media into a frenzy, with some even proclaiming it "Woody Allen's best work since 'Annie Hall'."

Of course, such praise is a bit exaggerated, but the media generally agrees that this is Woody Allen's best performance in ten years, bringing back the old man's dark humor.

As a result, reporters surrounded Woody Allen, asking him why he refused to enter the main competition, given that it was a very competitive film. Woody casually stated that what mattered most was that the audience liked the film, but rumors quickly spread throughout Cannes.

In fact, Woody Allen lacked confidence in "Match Point." Although he was very satisfied and liked it, he had made seven films since "Deconstructing Love" in 1997, which received mixed reviews. Critical critics kept attacking him, saying that he had passed his creative peak.

Therefore, Woody agreed to come to Cannes, but refused to enter the main competition, in order to avoid being besieged and attacked.

But no one expected that the "final point" would rebound so strongly, sweeping away the slump and difficulties of recent years. The comeback came so suddenly that no one was prepared at all.

Woody Allen makes no secret of his admiration for Scarlett Johansson; she was the muse for "Match Point," which is why the film was revitalized.

Amidst the clamor and noise, the first salvo of the main competition, "Hidden Camera," seemed to have been forgotten in a corner, quietly making its appearance.

(End of this chapter)