Several days into the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, we're at the midway point -- and, appropriately enough, I ran into Humpday stars Mark Duplass and Josh Leonard on Saturday night. After a warm reception at Sundance, Lynn Shelton's scruffy indie about two male friends who consider shooting a sex tape for a local adult film competition -- with the caveat both are straight -- was asked to appear as part of the Director's Fortnight here in Cannes. I had the chance to talk with Duplass (right, alongside co-star Leonard) about how it felt to find out the movie was invited to Cannes...
All kidding aside, Duplass explained that the Humpday's reception was overwhelming: "People are loving it. We were all concerned that the highly improvised American nature of the film wouldn't translate well overseas, but so far the international audience has really taken us in. Everywhere we go, Josh and I are getting mobbed by fans."
Along with screening the film, Duplass and Leonard are also trying to have the whole Cannes experience before they have to head back home. I asked Duplass if he had any favorite memories. "Josh almost got arrested trying to get into a big film premiere. Twice," he said. "That, and the four minute standing ovation we got for the premiere of Humpday. Or, maybe it was the 75 year-old Frenchman (who) asked me in a Q&A if Josh and I were homos in real life. Tough call... it's been a good few days."
