EIFF 2002: Day 8

Comedy and Tragedy

by Weegeet

My report is part comedy, part tragedy. First to mirth.

French director, Catherine Breillat was in town for the UK premiere of her new movie, Sex is Comedy, at the Filmhouse today. Catherine is something of an EIFF regular - raising the temperature in previous years when she brought hot little numbers like Romance, Fat Girl and Une Vrai Jeune Fille to Edinburgh.

The movie, a sex comedy unsurprisingly, stars Anne Parillaud and looks at the complications on set of trying to film a sex scene for film.

Simon had no such problems directing the controversial director to pose in front of her billboard poster.

To tragedy

Another movie, had its world premiere tonight - Alex (Repo Man, Sid And Nancy) Cox's Revengers Tragedy, starring Derek Jacobi, model turned actress, Sophie Dahl and comedian turned actor, Eddie Izzard.

Cox and Izzard turned up to give us all a wave. It's amusing to think that just a few years ago the most famous transvestite in the UK was a little-known stand-up comic performing out of a pokey little Fringe venue, just five minutes from the premiere. Then he was ripping tickets at the box office, manning the bar and performing. The film may be a tragedy (in more ways than one if Gator's review is prescient), but Izzard must be smiling inside.

Surprise Movie

Finally, every year the EIFF screens a Surprise Movie. Well, without further ado I can reveal that the surprise movie tonight was The Bourne Identity. Based on the book by Robert Ludlum, it's a cracking mystery thriller with Matt Damon as a top agent who has lost his memory and is trying to find out who he is with the help of Francke Potente (Run Lola Run).

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film