The Cannes Fim Festival puts film makers and actors on the map. Even low-budget ventures by unknowns that get the Cannes stamp of approval sometimes go on to blockbuster box office success. Even if they don't, there's little doubt the films are gems. Here are some of the top movies ever honored by the prestigious Cannes Film Festival's judges.
1. Pulp Fiction
In true Cannes style, a win put prolific director Quentin Tarantino on the A-list and miraculously revived the limp career of John Travolta. The judges were right on the money with this one in 1994. The film popularized "guy talk," zig-zagging plotlines and violence that makes you chuckle. A bonus for francophiles? Even the former Vinnie Barbarino recognizes the special nuances of French culture (in his references to buying beer at the movies and the "Royale with Cheese").
2. Fahrenheit 9/11
Even as the Hollywood studio considered canceling the impending release of this controversial flick, Cannes' judges were unmoved. They bestowed the 2004 Palme d'Or on this Bush-bashing, sad-yet-hilarious documentary. It came as no surprise when the studio decided soon after to go ahead and release the film in theaters. A scathing indictment on President Bush, director Michael Moore investigates ties between the Bushes and the bin Laden family.3. Apocalypse Now
Today, this 1979 Cannes Palme d'Or winner is not merely a classic, it's a legend. The cast is ridiculously talented, including some names you may have heard: Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper and Harrison Ford. This is the ultimate Vietnam War flick. It won't leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, but your eyes will be locked to the screen. And, of course, it spawned that cool quote, "I love the smell of Napalm in the morning." Dee-lish!4. Wild at Heart
Delightfully bizarre and disturbing, watch this film and you won't soon shake it from your mind. The performances are groundbreaking: Nicolas Cage is dark yet romantic, Willem Dafoe sends chills down the spine and Crispin Glover is, well, vintage Crispin Glover. Supercharged and intense, watch this one with a friend.5. Sex, Lies and Videotape
Steven Soderbergh was another nobody director who become a huge somebody after getting Cannes accolades with his 1989 win. This unique and engrossing film isn't just another sex-charged drama. It has an intellectual depth to it that is what really makes it a stand-out. It features one of the best performances of James Spader's career. You'll hardly recognize ultra-vampy nymphomaniac Laura San Giacomo of "Just Shoot Me" fame. Meow!6. Taxi Driver
Robert Deniro's creepy, scare-da-ba-Jeezus-outta-ya performance is what makes his psychotic, murderous character (and this film) a real killer. See a 13-year-old Jodie Foster, portraying a hooker, and a memorable role by Harvey Keitel, her pimp. This is an outstanding film that truly deserved its 1976 award.7. M*A*S*H*
Oh, this movie is just the best. Sigh, sigh. It's funny, the actors are ab-fab and it even sneaks an anti-war political message in for good measure. This irreverent 1970 Robert Altman movie spawned one of the most popular TV shows of all time. See what a little Cannes recognition can do?8. La Dolce Vita
It seems fairly interesting that the elite Cannes judges would be endeared to this movie. "La Dolce Vita," or "The Sweet Life," the 1960 winner by director Fellini, chronicles a journalist who crosses the line into the lifestyle of the rich and famous people he covers.What do you think of these movies? Have you ever visited Cannes? Are there movies you think are missing from this list? Talk it up at the France for Visitors forum.