Chapter 15: The Cannes Film Festival
Cannes, a small city in southern France near the port city of Nice, lies along the Mediterranean and is a renowned vacation destination. During the annual Cannes Film Festival, the city swells with crowds of visitors.
By the time Aaron and Nicole Kidman arrived, the opening ceremony had already taken place. Aaron's attention, however, was focused on the other films competing in the main competition.
The creative team behind Sex, Lies, and Videotape—director Steven Soderbergh and stars James Spader and Andie MacDowell—arrived soon after. Distributor Miramax held a press conference at their hotel to promote the film.
"Aaron, it's beautiful here!" Nicole said, hugging him from behind and planting a kiss on his cheek as they stood outside the Carlton on the Croisette.
Aaron turned and kissed her in return, waving the folder in his hand. "Australia also has a film in the main competition: Sweetie, directed by a New Zealander, Jane Campion."
"Do you want to sign her?" Nicole asked.
"That depends on whether she wants to develop her career in Hollywood," Aaron replied. He wasn't particularly interested in overly artistic films—without commercial potential, how could he make money?
Nicole smiled. "Sex, Lies, and Videotape is getting excellent word-of-mouth from its Cannes screening. Several international distributors have already inquired about it."
Aaron stroked her face gently. "No rush. I'm about to see an Italian entry in the competition. Want to come?"
"What film?"
"Cinema Paradiso."
"I'll come with you," Nicole said, climbing into Aaron's lap and wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. Aaron held her close and returned the kiss.
Cinema Paradiso tells the story of eight-year-old Toto and the projectionist Alfredo in a small Sicilian town at the end of World War II. Their love of cinema forms a cross-generational friendship. Encouraged by Alfredo, Toto leaves home to pursue a career abroad, eventually becoming a renowned director. The film uses both montage and flashback, interweaving two narrative threads: middle-aged Toto's reflections and his growth from childhood to adulthood.
Though beautifully told, the film's straightforward narrative and over two-and-a-half-hour runtime made it somewhat slow-paced.
"The director, Giuseppe Tornatore, is part of Italy's new generation of filmmakers. He's only 33. He gained some recognition a few years ago with Il Camorrista. Cinema Paradiso is his second feature. When it was first released in Italy last year, it didn't perform well. Even after re-editing, it still struggled. Early this year, it screened at the Berlin Film Festival but received harsh criticism from the festival president, so the director withdrew it and brought it to Cannes instead."
In the quiet theater, Aaron and Nicole watched attentively, Aaron explaining details about the film as they went along.
Nicole smiled. "Looks like you really like this one."
"Exactly. I plan to meet the director, Giuseppe Tornatore, afterward."
Having studied foreign films extensively while running a cinema during his university days, Aaron recognized this as a classic.
By evening, Aaron brought Nicole to meet Gabriel Carosi, representing Italy's Cristotti Film Company, and the director Giuseppe Tornatore.
"Good evening, I'm Aaron Anderson from CAA," he said with a smile, handing them his card.
"Good evening, Aaron!" they replied.
Aaron looked at them earnestly. "I really like Cinema Paradiso and would like to represent you for North American distribution. You may not know me yet, but I personally handled the international push for Sex, Lies, and Videotape."
"Ah, I see," Carosi and Tornatore said. Neither had high expectations for Cinema Paradiso initially, but Aaron's confidence was compelling.
Now that an American agent was willing to handle the distribution rights, there was nothing more to question.
Soon, Aaron finalized the contract with Cristotti Film Company, the producers of Cinema Paradiso.
"By the way, when is the festival screening for Cinema Paradiso?" Aaron asked.
"In three days," director Giuseppe Tornatore replied promptly.
Aaron nodded. "That's enough time. I'll try to organize a press event for Cinema Paradiso and invite the director of Sex, Lies, and Videotape to attend."
Holding a small press conference under CAA's banner was well within Aaron's capabilities. Before arriving in Cannes, CAA had already expressed their full support within reason.
Over the next few days, Aaron juggled multiple tasks: arranging events and parties for Steven Soderbergh and his team while negotiating international distribution rights for Sex, Lies, and Videotape. At the same time, the screening of Cinema Paradiso proceeded smoothly and earned positive reviews. Cannes clearly had a soft spot for films of this type.
That evening, Aaron arrived at a gala at the InterContinental on the Croisette, dressed elegantly with the stunning Nicole Kidman by his side.
"Oh, darling Aaron, you've been busy lately, haven't you?" Harvey Weinstein greeted them warmly with a smile.
Aaron introduced Nicole. "This is Harvey Weinstein, head of Miramax. And Harvey, this is Nicole Kidman. She stars in last month's Australian film Dead Calm."
"Good evening, Mr. Weinstein!" Nicole said politely.
Harvey's eyes lingered on Nicole, a spark of admiration—or something more—flickering in them. "You're absolutely stunning, my dear lady."
"Thank you," Nicole replied, sensing the intensity of his gaze.
Aaron led Nicole to sit beside him and looked at Weinstein. "Miramax seems to have had a fruitful haul this year."
Indeed, Weinstein had secured North American distribution rights for several films.
Aaron's remark made a ripple of surprise pass over Weinstein's face. "I didn't expect you to beat me to Cinema Paradiso, the Italian film I was backing!"
"Let's discuss it later," Aaron said, leaning over to kiss Nicole on the cheek. "You already know how it performed in Italy. We can finalize details after tomorrow's awards ceremony."
The positive reception at Cannes would only enhance the film's reputation. Once awards were added to its credentials, negotiating distribution would be much easier.
As for Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Aaron had already spoken to several European and Japanese distributors about rights, but the final outcomes would have to wait until the festival's closing ceremony.