A quarter-century after Quentin Tarantino took Cannes by storm with "Pulp Fiction," the maverick director has returned with "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," receiving a six-minute standing ovation.
It's one of the longest such receptions at this year's festival, which has been building up to the moment when Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio would stand side by side on the most glamorous red carpet in the world.
The two megastars injected an impressive display of star-wattage at a festival that has been lacking in A-list appearances.
Tarantino seemed to relish the attention, mouthing "I love you" to wife Daniela Pick, whispering in the ear of star Margot Robbie and standing atop the stairs of the Palais and yelling "vive le cinema."
The film is a panoramic look at the movie business at the end of the 1960s - one that encompasses Sharon Tate and the Manson family. DiCaprio plays a washed up TV Western star and Pitt is his body double and majordomo.
It is a meditation on the ephemeral nature of talent and a cautionary tale for artists who find themselves out of step with the times.
"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" debuts in US theatres on July 26.
In addition to DiCaprio, Pitt, and Robbie, the cast includes Kurt Russell, Al Pacino, and Luke Perry, in his final role.
Australian Associated Press
