IN WHAT seems an unprecedented move, the Cannes Film Festival has effectively banished controversial Danish film director Lars Von Trier from the prestigious event.
The decision, which astonished journalists, came in response to injudicious jokes made at a press conference for his latest film Melancholiaon Wednesday. Asked about his German roots, Von Trier set off on a ramble that, to the visible discomfort of Kirsten Dunst, the film's star, gradually waded deeper and deeper into the hottest of waters. He explained that, having once thought himself a Jew, he recently found out that he was "a Nazi". He continued: "What can I say? I understand Hitler. He did some wrong things, absolutely, but I can see him sitting there in his bunker at the end . . . Yes, I sympathise with him a little bit." For once in his life, the Danish director, who thrives on controversy, seemed to realise that he had overstepped the mark. Later that day, in an uncharacteristic move, he issued a reasonably comprehensive apology.
“If I have hurt someone this morning by the words I said at the press conference, I sincerely apologize,” he said. “I am not anti-Semitic or racially prejudiced in any way, nor am I a Nazi.” Most observers felt that would be the end of it. But yesterday morning a quite astonishing e-mail arrived to the inboxes of journalists. The statement concluded: “the festival’s board of directors, which held an extraordinary meeting this Thursday, May 19th, 2011, profoundly regrets that this forum has been used by Lars Von Trier to express comments that are unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the festival. The board of directors firmly condemns these comments and declares Lars Von Trier a persona non grata at the Festival de Cannes, with effect immediately.”
The meaning of the key phrase "persona non grata" was the subject of much discussion in free spaces around the Palais des Festivals. Would his accreditation be revoked? Would the ban remain in place for life? For a while it was assumed that Melancholia, which has received many strong reviews, would now be ineligible for the Palme d'Or, Cannes's top prize. But a spokesperson for the festival rapidly clarified that the film was still in the competition.
Von Trier, whose Antichristshocked many at the 2009 festival with its scenes of sexual violence, has always savoured controversy. His initial reaction to the ban, delivered to Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, suggested that the Cannes organisers may have played right into his hands.
"I'm proud to have been declared persona non grata. This is maybe the first time in film history that has happened," he said. "I think one of the reasons is that the French themselves treated the Jews badly during the second World War. Therefore it is a touchy subject for them. I highly respect the Cannes festival, but I also understand that they are very angry with me right now." All further promotional engagements for Melancholiahave been cancelled.
It was claimed that some interviewees have fallen ill.