Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Jodie Foster were at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes today for the Money Monster press conference. The carpet is tonight, prime time Cannes Thursday, ensuring that the pictures and the buzz is out there ahead of the movie opening tomorrow. But with Civil War at the box office, will Money Monster even matter this weekend? It used to be that Movie Stars mattered. That truth has been challenged though, repeatedly.
But those Movie Star smiles!
Look at them. This is the Julia we have loved (and sometimes hated, which is basically the same thing) for over 25 years. And she lit it up today for photographers, and with George who knows how to play this game probably even better than she does. These shots of them looking at each other and grinning? And whatever joke they’re pretending to share between them? It’s a drug for me. I can’t stop wanting more. Partly it’s nostalgia. True celebrities represent more than just their work. They represent your connection to that work, your attachment to those characters, your memories of who you were when you met those character all while maintaining the illusion that they are who you are not. That is the job of the real Movie Star – to remind you that you are fascinated with them, and to keep fascinating you long after they’ve stopped being fascinating.
At least that’s how it used to work. Does it work still?
Are you going to see Money Monster?
The reviews are OK. From the 7 or 8 that I’ve read it’s a popcorn movie showcasing the appeal of its two leads, in other words, the Movie Star appeal. I’m in. Are you in?