Classic odd couple tale Up lifts Cannes

THE Cannes film festival rolled out its red carpet with an old-style mix of humour and emotion yesterday, as the animated comedy Up lifted the mood at the start of cinema’s biggest and glitziest gathering.

The 10th feature by Disney’s Pixar studio has been hailed by critics and was warmly welcomed at its first Cannes screening, setting the 12-day festival off on a buoyant note.

The 62nd edition of the festival is expected to feature fewer of the celebrity-driven events that have been its hallmark as studios cut budgets in the recession but the glamour of Cannes remains a powerful magnet for the industry.