‘Mad Max’ director George Miller shares Cannes judging tips
CANNES, FRANCE Mad Max: Fu
ry Road director George Miller is a constant presence at the Cannes International Film Festival as the film jury president. There are 20 competition films to watch and a host of high-profile events during the 11-day southern France festival, which ends Sunday.
But the task of choosing the festival’s award-winning films, including the highest honor the Palme d’Or, has to be a closelyguarded secret.
Miller, 71, gave a peek inside the world of the jury, which includes Donald Sutherland, Kirsten Dunst and Bond villain Mads Mikkelsen.
Miller’s rule book: KEEP THE REACTION COOL Miller is aware that the jury is being closely watched for reactions during the public screenings. His group has decided to remain neutral as the lights go up after each screening.
A particularly strong reaction such as an enthusiastic standing ovation might lead to speculation.
“People do watch,” says Miller. “So let’s just stay sitting down, and we can clap. We can’t give it away.” NO FILM TALK IN PUBLIC Jury members are allowed to talk among themselves about films they have seen. But they must take care the conversations are not overheard.
“We do it when no one else is around,” says Miller. “There can’t be situations like ‘I was in the elevator, and I heard this judge say that.’ We don’t want to fuel any speculation.” EVERYONE GETS HEARD The good-natured Miller says every jury member’s point of view must be fully expressed. No jury member can dominate the discussion before the final paper ballot vote. This is not a problem so far, since every jury member has proven “very feisty.”
“But when the votes are done, nothing can be left unsaid,” says Miller. NO FIGHTS (SO FAR) Miller concedes there is one split already in his jury, the smokers vs. the non-smokers.
“It’s a joke really, the smokers find a balcony and then we come together,” says Miller, a former medical doctor and ex-smoker.
Miller says he enjoys the “passionate” discussions the group has had thus far since “those are the most exciting moments.”
He thinks the jury will agree when it comes to crunch time. “I feel like there won’t be an angry split or disgruntlement. I just don’t see that happening,” says Miller, who strongly encourages positive comments about films.
“It’s much harder to talk about what works in a film than what doesn’t work,” says Miller. “We emphasize what really works.” ENJOY THE CRAZY WORLD OF CANNES The festival’s atmosphere makes for a wild experience of glitzy parties and nightly walks down red carpets.
“There’s a fascination with these parties where everyone is like an iconic figure in some way,” says Miller. “Either It-girls, famous actors, rock musicians or billionaires from somewhere.”
Miller reveled bumping into boxing legend Roberto Duran, who excitedly talked of his repeat-view love of Fury Road.
“That was unexpected,” says Miller. “That is all very interesting anthropologically for an Australian who is pretty low-key.”