French director Quentin Dupieux's latest film, Le Deuxième Acte (The Second Act), is set to open the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Starring acclaimed actors Léa Seydoux and Vincent Lindon, the surreal comedy will have its world premiere out of competition on May 14. The film will also be released in French cinemas on the same day, marking a highly anticipated debut for Dupieux.
The red carpet event at the Grand Théâtre Lumière will see Dupieux and his cast in attendance, adding glamour and excitement to the festival's opening night. Cannes organizers have lauded Dupieux for his unique approach to filmmaking, noting his extensive body of work that includes 13 feature films in just 17 years. They praised his ability to establish the absurd as a genre in its own right, with The Second Act being a prime example of his innovative storytelling.
Earlier announcements from the Cannes Film Festival revealed that Greta Gerwig, director of the upcoming Barbie film, will serve as the jury president for the event. Gerwig follows in the footsteps of Jane Campion as only the second female director to hold this prestigious position.
Quentin Dupieux's journey into filmmaking began after a successful career as a French electronic artist under the moniker Mr. Oizo. He transitioned into screenwriting and directing, creating a series of music videos and quirky features that captured audiences' attention. Films like the infamous 'killer tire' movie Rubber and the oddball mystery Wrong showcased Dupieux's unique storytelling style.
In recent years, Dupieux's work has been well-received at major film festivals. His film Deerskin opened the Directors' Fortnight lineup at Cannes in 2019, while Smoking Causes Coughing debuted out of competition at Cannes in 2022. His satire Yannick, exploring themes of high culture and entertainment, won the Europa Cinemas Label prize for best European film at the 76th Locarno Film Festival.
The 77th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 14 to May 25, 2024, promising a showcase of diverse and innovative cinema from around the world.
