The Red Carpet at the Cannes Film Festival
| By: Pam Deaton; ©2003 |
| Movie-Guide writer Pam Deaton presents a thoughtful perspective on the “red carpet” treatment at Cannes—or anywhere else for that matter. |
The Red Carpet at the Cannes Film Festival
There were movies from countries all over the world: every day a different schedule of events, personalities, press conferences, and parties. However, one thing remained constant around which all events revolved: the red carpet!
The pomp and circumstance of the red carpet of recognition along which celebrities traveled as they entered the “Palais des Festivals” occurred every evening at 7 p.m. The crowds began to gather every evening around 6 p.m.—EVERY evening. The excitement and expectation began to build every evening around 6 p.m.—EVERY evening.
The first evening I found myself crushed in a mass of people, craning my neck to see who might be ascending the steps of the red carpet—what they were wearing, who they were with, etc. After over an hour, I realized that I didn’t recognize a soul. They were all internationals, except for Woody Allen and his entourage. Not worth it, I concluded—all the build-up, discomfort, and crush of people—all for what? … to get some glimpse of some unknown celebrity? Not for me.
Ironically, I seemed to be in the vicinity of the red carpet at the appointed hour almost every single day. I couldn’t get away from it. I began to realize that the Lord had a message for me in the red carpet. I began to pay attention to the glamour and aura that surrounded those on the carpet. I began to wonder, ‘Where is the red carpet taking them?’ The scripture whispered, “There is a way that seems right unto a man, the end thereof is death.” (Proverbs 14:12) They were dressed in riches, but was there a poverty of grace and mercy? The parties were abundant with food, but was there anyone whose soul was starving? The drinks were flowing with the finest wine and expensive champagne but was there someone thirsty for living water? Was there anyone lonely in the crowds, betrayed by competing “friends,” insecure about the future?
The good news is that the Lord makes an appearance on the red carpet of our lives — every day. But, most days we don’t even pay attention or notice. Would that we would face each day with the same degree of reverence and anticipation as those masses awaited their “red carpet.” For the Lord is ready to make an appearance in our lives if we will only make room in our schedules and eagerly look for a glimpse of Him. It could happen every day—EVERY day….
