Fremaux Says He’s Seen Woody Allen’s ‘Coup de Chance,’ But Selecting it Would Have Been Too Controversial

In an interview with Le Figaro, Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux says he’s seen Woody Allen’s “Coup de Chance,” but apparently it was screened for him unofficially, and not for the festival.

“The Polanski, we have not seen it. The Woody Allen, it's a bit special. I saw it without seeing it. The film was not a candidate. We also know that if his film was shown at Cannes controversy would take over the fest, both against him and against the other movies."

It’s a bit cryptic how he words his answer. So, he saw the film, through some back channel, but it was never submitted for official selection, that’s what I’m gathering from his statement.

Frémaux is basically hinting that Allen didn’t want to come to Cannes in order to not to provoke any controversy? Am I reading this right? Or did Frémaux just say no and is just trying to protect the film?

If this was the same Cannes from 7-8 years ago then you can bet “Coup de Chance” would have been selected. They’ve screened many of Allen’s major and minor works over the years.

Allen’s 50th film, shot in Paris, in French, was heavily rumoured to premiere there. Early word of mouth was great on the film ..

Showbiz411’s Roger Friedman raved about it saying it was “sensational.” Last month, Keith McNally snuck into a private screening and was blown away. “Coup de Chance” was also screened at the EFM market in Berlin with one buyer emailing me, echoing McNally’s sentiments, that it was Allen’s “best film in years”.

“Coup de Chance” stars Lou de Laâge in what is being described as a breakout role for her, internationally speaking. Her husband in the film is played by four time Cesar Award nominee Melvil Poupaud. There’s also Valérie Lemercier, this past year’s Cesar Best Actress.

Now, on to Venice … or San Sebastien.