Crowds, movie stars, and films….

Time has been passing quickly here at the Cannes Film Festival 2013.  It is something that is great to experience, and something you tire of quickly.  Crowds are everywhere, making it difficult to get around.  At the same time, you never know who you might run into.  It all makes for a very exciting and overwhelming experience.

Every evening, they have a movie on the beach.  The movies range over the years from silent films with Buster Keaton, to current titles.  It is a beautiful setting.

Here we are standing in a crowd to watch another red carpet event.  It was very crowded here, with a fair amount of pushing and shoving.  We decided to avoid this area in the future, even though it provided very good views.

We have been to several of these events now, and have watched from many different angles.  We have watched as the cars delivered the stars, and we have stood in the crush next to the red carpet.  I think our favorite vantage point is from a distance with a telephoto.  Below is a variety of pictures from several different red carpet events.

Nicole Kidman made several appearances, but this was the only one we saw with her husband, Keith Urban.  Nicole was one of the more generous stars, making sure everyone received a good photo opportunity, and signing many autographs.

Alec Baldwin.  Well, he moved up the red carpet much quicker.  I wasn’t able to get a picture of him other than on the screen, as he went up the stairs quickly without turning around.

It was a lot of fun to see Steven Spielberg a couple different times.

Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan were there for Inside Llewyn Davis.  Justin plays a folk singer, and apparently received very good reviews.

John Goodman was also in the movie, so was there for the event.

Adrien Brody was present, and appeared to cause quite a stir on the red carpet.

Dita Von Teese was in attendance to perform one of her burlesque acts for the stars later that night.  We watched fireworks from the beach as well as a showing of Jaws, and likely had much more fun.

I have to admit, it was exciting to see Michael Douglas and Matt Damon.  They were there for the premiere of Behind the Candelabra.  Michael played Liberace, and Matt was his love interest.  Sounds interesting.

Nicole Kidman with Ang Lee.

Laura Dern was present also.  We saw many others also, too many to mention.

Here is a view from the road during the red carpet events.  Not going to see anything behind these guys.  They have their step ladders chained and locked to trees, poles, and each other.  If you didn’t stake out a spot days before the festival began, you were too late.  Many are very organized about their autograph seeking.  They come prepared with portfolios of head shots of everyone who may be there, and whip the correct photo out with a black pen when the star arrives.  Seems like way too much effort for an autograph.

Late at night, everyone goes home, and this is all that is left.  All the chairs and ladders remain behind for another full day tomorrow.