• Variety's John Hopewell risks life and limb to teach festival-goers the correct pronunciation of Charlie Kaufman's latest trippy film, Synecdoche, New York, premiering on Friday.

• Todd McCarthy reviews James Gray's Two Lovers for Variety, saying it's an "involving, ultimately touching romantic drama" and a "welcome change of pace" for a director known for his crime dramas.

• Pamela McClintock and Anne Thompson remark that for the first time in years, Sony Classics may leave Cannes without a purchase. "There are no gems in the market," explains Sony's Michael Barker.

• Variety decks out for the Red Cliff party hosted by Avex, and delights in the $3 million budget and the Chinese-Japanese hybrid theme.

• Variety editor Tim Gray talks about the downbeat nature of this year's crop of films and gives a rundown of the festival's biggest draws.

For more exclusive Cannes news, reviews and interviews check out Variety's Festival Central