'Robin Hood' kicks off Cannes Film Festival

The 63rd Cannes Film Festival got under way today with a Hollywood action movie which draws parallels with current political events.

Ridley Scott’s 'Robin Hood', starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, is set in the 12th century, during a period of great political change in England.

Asked at a press conference if she felt the film held contemporary resonance, Blanchett said it was an “irony” that the screening at Cannes coincided with the formation of a new British government in the legendary hero’s home country.

Opening with the death of Richard I, the film is focused on the early stages of King John’s reign, and the title character’s return to a homeland affected by overseas wars.

The actress said: “It is true, and it’s sort of an irony that this is all going on and the film is being released today.

“But I think it’s a testament to Ridley’s talent as a director that all these things are going on (in the film) and it’s still a wild ride.”

Crowe, who plays the film’s title role, said the decision to return to the roots of the Robin Hood legend was an attempt to understand what motivated his character.

He said: “There isn’t a Robin Hood that’s been done that gives me a satisfying feeling that I know the motivations of the individual, so that’s what we attempted to do.

“There were many, many hours of discussion before we came to the fact that we’d better start at the beginning of the story and see how we do.”

Director Scott, 72, was unable to attend the festival after recently undergoing surgery.

The 'Gladiator' director instead sent a message, which said: “It is with the most sincere regret that I’m required to miss the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival and the screening of Robin Hood.

“I recently underwent knee replacement surgery and my recovery has been slower than I hoped.

“Truly doctor’s orders are the only thing that could keep me from being there.”

'Robin Hood' is sure to attract much interest, as will Oliver Stone’s latest project, 'Wall Street – Money Never Sleeps', and Woody Allen’s 'You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger'.

Ken Loach will be screening 'Route Irish', a thriller and love story about private security contractors in Iraq.