Last month, Cannes boss Thierry Fremaux admitted to having seen Woody Allen’s “Coup de Chance,” but preferred not to screen it at the festival because it would have caused too much “controversy.”
“Coup de Chance” DP Vittorio Storaro has decided to chime in with his own two cents on the matter. The legendary cinematographer is none-too-happy at the way Cannes treated Allen:
"I am scandalized and indignant that Cannes has chosen not to present his latest film, all because of the accusations made by his wife Mia Farrow, and her daughter Dylan. Need I remind everyone that Woody has already been acquitted of these charges twice. This #MeToo obsession continues, yes, it is bringing real systemic issues to light, but it’s also doing a lot of unjust damage. It's a witch hunt that goes beyond the bounds of common sense.”
Storaro goes on to reiterate that Allen “deserved the Croisette.”
If this was the same Cannes from a decade 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 rumored 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 César Award nominee, Melvil Poupaud. There’s also Valérie Lemercier, this past year’s César Best Actress.
Netflix and Skydance Animation have also called it quits. The two sides announced Monday that they're ending the animated film deal struck back in 2023, framing it as a mutual decision.