Festivalgoers are still debating the merits of House of Pleasures today -- some saying it was a weird choice as opening gala presentation, others applauding organizers for shaking things up by going out on a limb with such a provocative film.
At least people are talking and many were, er, stimulated by Bertrand Bonello's erotic trip back to a Paris brothel in the early 20th century.
And everyone could agree on one thing: there was a whole lot of T&A in that steamy, slow-moving journey down mammary lane.
A question, though: Was that sadly facially disfigured prostitute's fate a deliberate reference to Heath Ledger's The Joker, or what?
We also still have fond memories of the mock funeral for celluloid before the opening feature, with Iain Hooey delivering a eulogy as pallbearers brought a vintage projector onstage.
"Film projector had a good life," he deadpanned. (Sorry)
"He had a way about him, and no matter what mood he was projecting that day he would always find a way to light up the room."
"For most of his early life he couldn't do too much. We spool-fed him most of the time."
"He was playing all the time, even if there was nobody else with him. He'd play anyway, just in case someone came along at the last minute."
Those are just a few choice cuts, but you get the picture.
And I loved the witty slide show featuring people with film projectors as heads, especially that shot of a tiny digital camera in a crib before this requiem for celluloid ended with a standing ovation.
Nice work.
