There are generally two ways to attend the Cannes Film Festival:
One way is to stay in a hotel, with a short stay of one or two nights, and then leave quickly. This is often the case for guests who rely on brand sponsorships to get an invitation.
The other way is to rent a villa, where the entire film crew stays together, ensuring they move as a unit and can complete promotional activities during the festival.
Of course, there are exceptions.
Some brand sponsors might choose to rent villas, while some film crews might stay in hotels.
Anson is one such exception.
Originally, Dior had reserved a room for Anson in the most luxurious and top-tier hotel in Cannes, just steps away from the Palais des Festivals. Not only was it convenient, but Anson would also be constantly in the spotlight, living every moment under the attention of the Cannes Film Festival.
However, Anson had different plans.
He intended to stay in Cannes for two weeks. In addition to the screening of "Elephant," he wanted to fully immerse himself in the festival's lively atmosphere. This wasn't going to be a quick visit just for the premiere.
So, Anson politely declined Dior's offer. Edgar rented a villa, and Noah arrived two days early to Cannes to prepare everything for Anson and his friends.
The villa was tucked away in lush greenery, barely revealing a corner of the ivory-white building.
Inside the two-story building were eight rooms, with a spacious and bright living room, and a dining room and study filled with vintage furniture.
Opening the balcony doors, one could stretch out their arms and embrace the endless blue of the ocean and sky, stretching all the way to the horizon.
Staring at the edge of the world, you can't help but imagine what the round Earth looks like. Could you really travel all the way around and come back to the starting point?
But Anson didn't have time to daydream.
After a short rest, Noah drove Anson away—heading toward the town center.
For Cannes, Anson's style was divided into two parts:
His casual outfits were all selected by Melvin ahead of time and brought by Noah for Anson to mix and match as he pleased.
For the red carpet, Dior was in charge. Anson would fulfill his commitment to Dior. After missing the Oscars, it didn't matter, as he was now returning to Dior's main stage, with Hedi Slimane overseeing his Cannes look.
In Paris, Anson had already met with Hedi to try on and select several outfits.
But there was one detail:
This year, Hedi's designs were ultra-tailored. Although his designs had been fitted before, this year took it to the next level—almost skin-tight. The outfits perfectly highlighted a slim, pale figure, evoking a vampire-like aura.
The key was that while the clothes were tight, they shouldn't look tight. This meant every inch of fabric and every little detail was critical.
So, even though the fittings were done in Paris, it had been three weeks since then. Anson still needed a final fitting upon arriving in Cannes.
Even the smallest error would require Hedi to make quick adjustments.
Now, Anson was on his way to the hotel to meet Hedi for a fitting, ensuring there would be time to adjust before the "Elephant" premiere.
The Boulevard de la Croisette runs east to west along the beach and is the most central and bustling street in Cannes. If you ever get lost, just find this straight, wide street, and you'll have found your way.
Hotels, the Palais, restaurants, bars...and all the major luxury brands have flagship stores here, waiting for the festival-goers.
It's no exaggeration to say this is the heart of Cannes.
Naturally, everyone wants to stay on the Boulevard de la Croisette, under the spotlight. Cannes is a small town, and hotel rooms are in high demand. Often, you need to book a hotel here six months or even a year in advance, or risk being pushed out of the spotlight.
Among the many hotels, there are three top luxury hotels on the Boulevard de la Croisette that are the crown jewels. Everyone wants to stay here. Even without doing anything, just coming and going, you become the focus.
One of these is the Majestic Barrière, Cannes' official partner hotel for the festival. It's only about 100 meters from the Palais, with easy access to the red carpet. It's the designated hotel for the jury, and most of the big stars in the main competition stay here as well.
Dior, as the festival's biggest sponsor, has an entire floor reserved at the Majestic Barrière—permanently.
All the furniture, design, and decor were created by Dior's official team, and all their special guests stay here, enjoying a distinct level of elegance.
Dior had arranged for Anson to stay here.
Noah pulled up the car in front of the hotel and hesitated for a moment as he looked at Anson.
"Are you sure you don't need me to stay with you? Edgar told me to stick to you like glue. That's the most important thing."
Anson looked seriously at Noah. "Trust me, you have a more important task, okay? I need to know the entire festival schedule, including screenings for different venues and sections."
"Noah, do you know how busy a film festival is?"
Noah blinked and shook his head.
Anson was used to this.
"Good, it's better that you don't. So, you should follow my lead."
"Or do you want me to go to the Palais and ask for the schedule myself?"
"Oh, that's actually a good idea. I've heard there are treasures in the gift shop. Maybe I should check it out myself."
Before Anson could finish, Noah shook his head vigorously, like a bobblehead, "No, no, Anson, I'll go. Leave these small things to me."
Anson nodded in satisfaction. "Then I'll wait for your report. And remember, this is the only important task today."
He got out of the car, watched as Noah drove off, and smiled to himself.
Edgar was too nervous, and Miles wasn't much better.
To Anson, America was America, and Europe was Europe. The Cannes Film Festival was different. No one would notice him, even if he was Spider-Man.
Of course, he did expect some applause and cheers.
But more than for himself, he hoped the applause would be for "Elephant."
At a festival, praise for the work is what truly matters.
So, there was no need to be so on edge.
Turning around, Anson spotted a bellboy waiting at the door to greet guests.
The bellboy hesitated for a moment, not seeing any luggage or companions. Without the usual markers to gauge a guest's status, he didn't immediately recognize Anson.
But Anson calmly nodded and walked into the hotel lobby, found his direction, and headed toward the elevator.
The bellboy paused—wait, who was that?
Before the bellboy could figure it out, Anson had already stepped into the elevator.
However!
Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a hand shot out, stopping the doors and squeezing in breathlessly.