Dierctor Henri Verneuil and actor Alain Delon - Mélodie en Sous-Sol © Keystone / Getty Images
Watch them tonight, at the Cinéma de la plage
Every day at 9:30 p.m., the Festival de Cannes reinvents itself as night falls, transforming the Croisette’s Plage Macé, opposite the Majestic hotel, into an open-air cinema. The program for the 78th Festival will include: film teams on stage, premieres and world cinema classics. From Hong Kong action to Italian intimism, from Japanese animation to Hollywood classics, embark on a cinephile’s world tour.
TONIGHT AT THE CINÉMA DE LA PLAGE
Saturday, May 24
MÉLODIE EN SOUS-SOL by Henri Verneuil
1963, 1h 58, France/Italy
Charles has just spent five years behind bars. When he gets out, he has trouble finding his house in Sarcelles. The city has completely changed in his absence: modern towers sprout up like mushrooms. Ginette suggests that Charles start up a business in the South, but he only has one idea in mind: breaking into the Palm Beach casino safe in Cannes.
Why should you (re)watch this film?
Because this set brought together the iconic duo of French cinema, Alain Delon and Jean Gabin, who was again reunited by Henri Verneuil six years later for Le Clan des Siciliens (The Sicilian Clan). And because it’s set in Cannes!
PREVIOUSLY AT CINEMA DE LA PLAGE
Tuesday, May 13
A HIDDEN LIFE by Terrence Malick
2019, 2h 54, United Kingdom/Germany/United States
A Hidden Life is the story of an unsung hero, Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When the Austrian peasant farmer is faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife, Fani, and children that keeps his spirit alive.
Why should you (re)watch this film?
If you think that Terrence Malick’s cinema is not for you, well A Hidden Life is an excellent introduction to his work. His mastery of the art is showcased in this true story about humanity.
Wednesday, May 14
1992, 2h 08, Hong Kong
A cop who loses his partner in a shootout with gun smugglers goes on a mission to catch them. In order to get closer to the leaders of the ring, he joins forces with an undercover cop who’s working as a gangster hitman. They use any means necessary to find them… including excessive force.
Why should you (re)watch this film?
Hard Boiled, is one of John Woo’s best thrillers, a pure delight of well choreographed action scenes that is a must-see in this restored version. The violence in this ’90s film reflects what plagued Hong Kong at the time, which makes the film more realistic than its earlier counterparts.
Thursday, May 15
LES MAUVAIS COUPS (NAKED AUTUMN) by François Leterrier
1961, 1h 38, France
Milan and Roberte have been married for ten years. Since Milan has retired from car racing following the death of his best friend, their relationship has started to deteriorate badly. Roberte drowns her sorrows in alcohol, while Milan spends his days hunting in the countryside. The arrival in the village of Hélène, an attractive, young schoolteacher, is going to shatter what remains of their fragile marriage.
Why should you (re)watch this film?
Because Simone Signoret lights up this film in her role as Roberte, as hailed by the Le Monde newspaper when the film was released: “To say that Simone Signoret dominates Les Mauvais Coups (Naked Autumn) and carries the film on her shoulders, would mean nothing. She is its body and its soul.” Her performance is showcased today in a restored version of the film.
Friday, May 16
1946, 2h 25, roadshow, United States
Tragedy seems to follow Pearl Chavez everywhere she goes. After the death of both of her parents, she is sent to live with her aunt, Laura Belle, on a Texas farm. When Pearl takes notice of Laura Belle’s two sons—timid Jesse and fiery Lewt—life on the ranch erupts into chaos…
Why should you (re)watch this film?
Duel in the Sun mixes western, romance and adventure. Despite its chaotic production which took seven directors in succession to complete it, the film remains one of producer David O. Selznick’s successes, seven years after Gone with the Wind.
LA LÉGENDE DE LA PALME D’OR CONTINUE… (THE LEGEND OF THE PALME D’OR CONTINUES…) by Alexis Veller
52 mins, France
In the presence of the director
Ten years after La Légende de la Palme d’or (The Legend of the Palme d’or), Alexis Veller once again captures the intimate and moving testimonies, etched or fleeting memories of the award winners—all these sensitive stories that, together, continue to shape the legend of the Palme d’or. The film gathers the confessions of Claude Lelouch, Bong Joon-ho, Ken Loach, Ruben Östlund, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Costa-Gavras, Nuri Bilge Ceylan and Jerry Schatzberg.
Followed by SUNSET BLVD. by Billy Wilder
1950, 1h 50, United States
Rediscover the intense, captivating and unforgettable Sunset Blvd. featuring Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) as an aging silent film queen who convinces Joe Gillis (William Holden), a struggling writer, to help her make her “triumphant return to the big screen”.
Why should you (re)watch this film?
It’s an opportunity to see this masterpiece by Billy Wilder, an expert on the agony of fast-changing Hollywood. In Sunset Blvd., the dream machine evolves into a monster factory, to make the industry thrive when films are released, despite being awarded three Oscars and today restored in 4K.
Sunday, May 18
PALOMBELLA ROSSA (RED WOOD PIGEON) by Nanni Moretti
1989, 1h 28, Italy
Michele is the leader of the Italian communist party and a professional water polo player. Following a car accident, he loses his memory. So, he has to learn about his life again—through an improvised psychoanalytic trip symbolized by the friendships and adversities of a water polo game.
Why should you (re)watch this film?
For the pleasure of seeing Nanni Moretti in front and behind the camera in a very personal film. Through the eyes of Michele, he revisits his militant communist past with humor through the metaphor of a water polo game, which he has been playing for a long time. The director himself supervised the 4K restoration of his work.
Monday, May 19
1h 30, France/Belgium
In the presence of the film team
Brigitte Bardot is the first icon of French cinema to achieve worldwide fame. Both a muse, an adored star, and a committed activist, she embodies a free, but sometimes misunderstood woman. Loved too much or loved poorly, she moved through the spotlight before retreating to La Madrague, escaping public scrutiny and scandals. Today, she reflects on the many contrasts of her life: her meteoric rise, her status as an icon, and her sometimes radical statements in her fight for animal rights. A pioneer in her convictions, she redefined the image of women and anticipated ecological battles that remain more relevant than ever today.
Why should you watch this film?
Because hearing Brigitte Bardot speak is rare. The 90-year-old actress has agreed to confide in Alain Berliner for a tell-all documentary, supported by the contributions of celebrities, such as Paul Watson, Claude Lelouch and Naomi Campbell.
Tuesday, May 20
TENSHI NO TAMAGO (ANGEL’S EGG) by Mamoru Oshii
1985, 1h 11, Japan
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, a young girl takes care of a large white egg, which she believes will give birth to an angel. A boy armed with a huge gun gets off a tank in search of a bird that he saw in a dream. Their encounter leads to the start of a friendship threatened by the curiosity of the boy about what the egg contains.
Why should you (re)watch this film?
Because it’s a hypnotic allegory that can amaze more than just fans of Japanese anime. Produced by Mamoru Oshii, creator of Ghost in The Shell, Angel’s Egg is a must-see in a restored version for its 40th anniversary.
Wednesday, May 21
1965, 2h 08, United Kingdom
Diana Scott is a “spoilt child” who is aware of her beauty. She got married young to an unsophisticated young man, but the marriage turns out to be a failure. She becomes a model, whose career is launched by Robert Gold, a television reporter who leaves his family for her. However, Diana dumps her lover for a handsome businessman, then for an Italian prince. She gradually becomes aware of the fake world in which she lives…
Why should you (re)watch this film?
For the iconic Julie Christie. She not only made an impression with her role as Lara in Doctor Zhivago in 1965, but this “Swinging London” character shone the same year in Darling, which won her an Oscar for best actress.
Thursday, May 22
ANGE by Tony Gatlif
2025, 1h 37, France
Arthur H portrays Ange, a rootless musician who, at 60 years old, feels a vital need to reconnect with his old friend Marco. Solea, his past love’s daughter, who revolts against her era, joins him on this journey. Together, they rediscover the path to joy.
Why should you watch this film?
Because for Tony Gatlif, the Festival de Cannes is not only an opportunity to present a film as a world premiere, but also an invitation to go on a festive, musical journey. Tonight, the screening will be preceded by a live concert featuring the film’s musicians, including Arthur H.
Friday, May 23
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST by Miloš Forman
In autumn 1963, a Korean War veteran and criminal pleads insanity and is admitted to a psychiatric institution, where he rallies the frightened patients against the tyrannical nurse.
Why should you see this film?
This is the surprise film of the Cinéma de la Plage, and it’s a cult among cults! Starring Louise Fletcher and Jack Nicholson, Fifty years ago, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest won Oscars in the five most prestigious categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay
