Two Weeks in the Midday Sun: A Cannes Notebook

Two Weeks in the Midday Sun captures Roger Ebert's experiences at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival through text and his own sketched illustrations. The book follows his daily activities as he attends screenings, conducts interviews, and navigates the buzzing festival atmosphere. The narrative provides an insider's perspective of the mechanics and personalities that drive the world's premier film festival. Ebert documents encounters with directors and stars while also focusing on the less glamorous aspects: the scheduling conflicts, the press conferences, and the general chaos of the festival circuit. His hand-drawn illustrations serve as both documentation and commentary, replacing traditional photography with a more personal artistic interpretation of the scenes and characters he encounters. The sketches work in concert with Ebert's written observations to create a unique festival chronicle. The book stands as both a time capsule of a specific Cannes season and a broader meditation on film culture, celebrity, and the intersection of art and commerce in the movie industry.

Readers appreciate Ebert's candid, diary-like observations of the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, with many noting his ability to capture both the glamour and absurdity of the event. The book details encounters with celebrities and industry figures through a personal lens rather than formal criticism. Readers highlight: - Behind-the-scenes glimpses of festival politics and dealmaking - Ebert's sketches throughout the book - Humorous anecdotes about film industry personalities Common criticisms: - Some passages feel dated or insider-focused - Limited discussion of actual films from the festival - Occasional meandering narrative structure Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (104 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "More a slice-of-life chronicle than film criticism - shows Ebert's talent as a pure writer beyond reviews." Another commented: "The sketches add charm but some industry references will be lost on casual readers."

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🎬 Roger Ebert wrote this intimate memoir during the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, capturing both the glamour and chaos of cinema's most prestigious event through his personal sketches and observations. 🖌️ The book includes Ebert's own illustrations - charming, informal sketches he drew while people-watching at cafés and on the Croisette, adding a unique visual dimension rarely seen in film criticism. 🌟 During the festival covered in this book, the Palme d'Or went to "Under the Sun of Satan," starring Gérard Depardieu - a decision that was notably met with boos from the audience. ☀️ The title references the intense Mediterranean sunlight that bathes Cannes during the festival, which Ebert describes as being so bright it makes the celebrities' jewelry "sparkle like fire." 🏨 Ebert reveals the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the Carlton Hotel's lobby - considered the festival's unofficial headquarters - where deals are made, rumors spread, and careers can be launched or destroyed over a single espresso.