Deauville American Film Festival opening ceremony. we were there

The sky is gray on this first day of September in Deauville. Some gaps are seen around 6pm. Well, it’s time for famous film directors to make their entrance on the American Film Festival red carpet. On the outskirts of the Barriere Group’s iconic hotel in Normandy, we scrutinize the comings and goings, trying to spot the faces of those who know the filmography all too well. This year, however, passers-by will have to temper their enthusiasm. The strike that has paralyzed Hollywood since mid-July is to blame.

While we waited to see Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Peter Dinklage (Tirion Lannister Game Of Thrones) or even Joseph Gordon-Levitt… Nah! The 49th edition of the festival will take place without them. As luck would have it, some passers-by strolled down the Place du Marché, a few steps away from where Nicolas Sarkozy was holding a book signing this Friday for the launch of his new book. Battle time.

In the video: Deauville Festival 2021: arrival of the jury

Fortunately, Emilia Clarke, another star Game Of Thrones, expected on the boards Sunday. Much to the delight of fans and Normandy event director Bruno Barde. While waiting for the British to arrive, drink the aromatic cocktail with cucumber juice and Shiso syrup in the comfortable and discreet atmosphere of the Norman bar. “It was invented by the head bartender at Fouquet’s New York,” we like to say. As the last addition to the Barrière group, a block away from the Hudson River, America is brought to Normandy.

french touch

Away from Hollywood, Deauville had to make amends and bet first on his French stars; Guillaume Canet presides over the festival’s jury, which has to decide between the 14 films in competition. Judith Godrech will present her semi-biographical series for Arte Icon of French cinema ; when Luc Besson presents this Saturday Dogman The day after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

This Friday, we could still count on the presence of musician and Francophile Kyle Eastwood, Clint’s son. On the stage of the Congress Palace, the American opened the festival in style, playing two songs from his latest album live. Eastwood Symphony, a tribute to his father’s greatest film scores. Later, Guillaume Canet took the microphone. She will also mention the man. Jerry Schatzberg, who offered him the role of Daniel Mullen in 2000. The day the ponies return. He was 27 years old at that time. “I dreamed of his films when I was very young,” said the Frenchman still gratefully.

Trying not to read his text, Kane remembers his near-missed meeting with the director in New York. Portrait of a fallen child (1970). He describes him as a “friend, spiritual father”. Before offering a nice cinematic moment, escorting 96-year-old Jerry Schatzberg to the stage and his honorary award. All on Bob Dylan.

After which the release gave way to the screening of the film Queen’s game By Karim Ainuz or the story of Catherine Parr (played by Alicia Vikander), the sixth wife of King Henry VIII (Jude Law) with a romantic destiny. The fictional film tells the story of this sovereign who will spend his life thwarting the traps of his entourage, his court and his bloodthirsty husband… It’s almost enough to sate the public’s appetite while the clock ticks.

In video: Chanel at the 2020 Deauville Festival

At dinner, which started around 11 p.m., the menu is sea time. At 500 caps, we quickly bring in Poached Breton Lobster and Grilled Sea Bass Steak. Then, for dessert, some caramel popcorn. Although the Deauville festival is not held in the same time zone as Hollywood this year, the passion for cinema still prevails.