I’m not going to say that news that Pixar’s Up will open this year’s Festival de Cannes says anything in particular about the film. Plenty of crappy movies have opened Cannes before. But it might say a few things about the festival.
First, this will be the fest’s debut 3D screening (and Pixar’s!) and continues a trend in which the festival has gradually embraced high-profile animated films. Never before has an animated film opened the fest. And with this being the kickoff, there’s the hope that the rest of the festival will be unsually strong. I’ve already gushed about potential pictures, and if even part of that projected slate comes to pass this will be a Cannes to remember.
Up will have it’s world premiere as the Opening Ceremony film of the 62nd Festival de Cannes on May 16.