The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 2086 Creating a Topic

After a brief period of shock and disbelief, Cannes quickly became lively again. Compared to the clashes of interests and intrigues on the North American continent, Cannes was much simpler.

I just like movies.

If an actor possesses professional skills, aesthetic taste, and a passion for watching movies, that would be perfect, but if not, it's okay.

An excellent actor may have terrible aesthetic taste, a sophisticated and knowledgeable film fan may be limited to just talking, a model may be very learned, and a professor may know nothing about film. Anything is possible because everyone is complex and multifaceted.

No one cares whether Anson is just a pretty face, nor does anyone care whether the media criticizes him for turning Cannes into a runway. But there is no doubt that Anson understands film. He has his own preferences and opinions, just as he did two years ago, and he still does now.

A small group of movie fans are still complaining that the wonderful memories from two years ago are limited to that time. Back then, Anson was on the rise and still had time and space to watch movies. But two years have passed, and Anson even has limited time to sleep, so how could he have time to watch movies? His vacation time is probably spent at parties.

However, this idea was gradually overturned in the days that followed.

Cannes once again witnessed a beautiful scene: Anson, like millions of ordinary movie fans, kept rushing between cinemas; after the movie ended, he engaged in heated discussions and debates with others, exchanging ideas and arguing until his face turned red.

For the first two days, Anson was followed closely by two little tails, like shadows, which was inevitably an eyesore; but after two consecutive days of on-site investigations went smoothly, the tails evolved into one, and they did not follow closely, but circled around at a distance, leaving Anson some space.

People couldn't help but sigh that Anson, who had previously appeared and disappeared like a ghost, had twice fooled the paparazzi this year alone, staging a disappearance in full view of the public, making the top superstar seem unattainable and as if he lived in a different world; but when he came to Cannes, he was completely exposed and his defenses crumbled.

Anson stood right in front of them, vivid and real, just like them.

In fact, given the time, Anson is willing to talk to anyone, even ordinary tourists, and he always patiently engages in small talk.

What's a little unusual is that Anson refused the autograph request, repeatedly stating that he was "coming as a film enthusiast" and that the scene might get out of control if he opened up for autographs; the same goes for photos, he wouldn't stop others from taking pictures, but he refused to take photos with people himself.

Everything revolves around the movie.

If necessary, Anson even helped maintain order on site, once again demonstrating his potential as a talk show host. He always managed to control the situation, turn hostility into friendship, and remind everyone that this is Cannes, and they are here for the movies. Even Anson Wood has to give way to the movies.

Unbelievable, inconceivable.

What happened in Cannes two years ago is playing out again, like a Midsummer Night's Dream from Shakespeare's play. It's all my imagination; in a daze, there's no sense of reality. I can't believe what's happening before my eyes, but when I take a deep breath, I can see Anson's figure again—

Wearing a Dior x Adidas collaboration, she exudes youthful energy and lives in the cinematic world of Cannes.

So, is all of this possible in real life?

Of course, some people still complained, "It's just a show." They refused to believe Anson and firmly believed that it was just another kind of performance.

A marketing campaign, a performance, just a show. Don't easily trust these Hollywood actors; acting is their livelihood.

However, the people basking in the golden sunlight of the French Riviera at this very moment will tell those haters: Don't blindly trust others. See with your own eyes and experience with your heart, and you will naturally discover the truth. The most beautiful scenery in Cannes is definitely not just a performance.

Moreover, if it really is acting, then this only proves that Anson is a top-notch actor, an actor who can completely blend acting and life. What about those who used to criticize Anson as just a pretty face? So, is Anson already a good actor?

“Cannes has never been so vibrant,” Roger Ebert exclaimed, adding another reason to head to the French Riviera beyond sunshine, the sea, and bikinis.

Then, this heatwave reached a new peak on an ordinary afternoon, lasting less than ten minutes, yet creating a moment that will go down in the history of the Cannes Film Festival.

Cinema Palace, Press Conference Room.

Flashes of light were scattered throughout the venue as a post-screening press conference was underway. The seats were not completely full, with noticeable empty seats visible.

All eyes were on director Gus Van Sant and lead actor Michael Pitt as they arrived.

Exactly two years ago, here, Guss pulled off a stunning upset to win the Palme d'Or with "The Elephant," securing the most important trophy of his career and witnessing Anson's powerful rise. Those exciting and magnificent moments are still vivid in my mind and are undoubtedly a classic scene worth remembering.

This year, Guss has once again been nominated for the main competition at Cannes with his latest work, "The Last Days," which has aroused much anticipation, given that he is a former Palme d'Or winner.

However, reality is somewhat cruel.

On the other hand, another film that premiered on the same day as "The Last Days" was also a hot topic: "The Three Funerals of Escada," the directorial debut of Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, premiered in the afternoon.

On the other hand, "The Last Days" appears gloomy and somber, taking a step further from "The Elephant," and its watchability is highly questionable. Even art film enthusiasts at film festivals may not be able to fully accept it.

And so, this scene unfolded.

After the premiere, the press conference hall was not even full. Many media reporters chose to skip the interviews and rush to see a couple more films before Tommy Lee Jones took the stage.

Moreover, the media reporters attending the press conference appeared somewhat listless and dull, and none of them were able to ask any meaningful questions.

Without needing words, their eyes met and they seemed to be already venting their frustrations. Sure enough, Gus' Palme d'Or was just luck. Gus didn't have the real talent, and his performance in this "final day" was a really bad one, to the point that it was almost unbearable.

At this moment, someone quietly pushed open the door, trying to avoid affecting the press conference, and then carefully closed the door. Standing at the back of the crowd, they listened patiently for a while, waiting for the next opportunity to ask a question. They then raised their right hand high, waited for the host to call their name, and took the microphone from the staff.

"Director, I'd like to ask if this film can be understood as a continuation of 'The Elephant,' not just in terms of visual style, but also on a spiritual level, as an exploration of death?"

(End of this chapter)