I was under the impression that Claire Denis was not going to submit “The Stars at Noon” for Cannes. During a Lincoln Center screening of “Both Sides of the Blade,” a couple of months ago, she had mentioned how she was taking a break and not in any hurry to complete it.
Then came this week’s Intel that Denis is rushing “The Stars at Noon” for Cannes submission but that it won’t be ready for Thursday's announcement. So, there is still a chance that Denis shows up, she wants in, but it’ll be as a late submission.
I’m actually surprised that she would want to get to Cannes, and maybe not wait it out for Venice instead. The last time Denis had one of her films in official competition at Cannes was for her 1988 debut “Chocolat.” After that, it’s been mostly sidebar sections or Venice competition. A real shame if you ask me since she’s one of the more prominent world filmmakers of the last quarter of a century.
While we’re at it, check out my interview with Denis from three years ago. She was a real joy to speak to.