Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood picked to open Cannes festival

[HMG] – Among those who love movies the year has two highlights — The Oscars in March, and the Cannes Film Festival which opens in May. And this year, Russell Crowe as Robin Hood will open the show.

In its 61 years of existence the festival has been the birthplace of dreams, and the death of many directors delusions. But both Russell and director, Ridley Scott have high hopes for their film, which will open the festival but will not compete for the much-coveted ‘Palm D’or.’

This will be Russell’s fifth film with Scott; They first worked on “Gladiator” in 2000 – which won Russ the Oscar. Then came ‘A Good Year’ in 2006, ‘American Gangster’ [with Denzel Washington] in 2007, and finally ‘Body of Lies’ with Leonardo DiCaprio in 2008.

Russel tried sem-retirement last year, but the lure of the lens was too strong.

Their latest $130-million pairing concerns a humble soldier in 15th century England who becomes a legend through his skills with a bow, his noble-born girlfriend, and his unceasing passion for helping the poor.

All of which begs the question – Exactly how does one spend $130-million on a bunch of guys in pantyhose playing darts in the woods??

Sean Connery and Kevin Costner have both played Robin before, but their films lacked one thing that could make this one succeed – Cate Blanchett as Rob’s love interest, Maid Marian.

The festival opens on May 12 and runs for ten days. The rest of us can judge it when it opens nationwide on May 14th.

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