Cannes Man (1997)

The Cannes Film Festival, an illustrious gathering where the entire movie industry converges to trade films, negotiate deals, and mingle with stars. Amidst this glitzy spectacle, we find Sy Lerner, a seasoned movie producer who personifies the art of the deal, seamlessly blending comedy and cunning. On a whimsical bet, Lerner promises he can transform any average Joe into an overnight sensation using the festival's universal language - hype. Enter Frank Rhinoslavsky, an unsuspecting New York cab driver on a vacation, who soon becomes the guinea pig for Lerner's audacious wager. With a touch of Lerner's magic, Frank morphs into 'Frank Rhino', the hottest screenwriter to grace Cannes since the times of Faulkner and Hemingway. The buzz around Frank Rhino swells, drawing celebrities and producers alike into its vortex. Dennis Hopper, Treat Williams, Johnny Depp, John Malkovich, and more - all are ensnared by the allure of meeting 'the next Quentin Tarantino'. As Lerner weaves his tale of hype and substance, he manages to assemble a remarkable cast for a film that neither exists nor possesses a script. Yet, Lerner still has a few surprises up his sleeve. In a shocking turn of events, he dies, leaving the money invested in his phantom film to vanish like smoke. Despite his unexpected demise, Lerner's legacy lives on, having executed the ultimate con and affirming his status as the one and only 'Cannes Man'. Cannes Man (1997) is a satirical ride through the chaos and charm of the world's most prestigious film festival, filled with celebrity cameos and seasoned with a healthy dose of humour and manipulation. The film serves as a deliciously cynical commentary on the power of hype and the glamour of the movie industry. Dive into this whirlwind and witness the making of a star.

Cannes Man is a comedy movie featuring Seymour Cassel and directed by Richard Martini.

Cannes Man is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on Fandor.