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Mickey Rourke’s presence at Cannes was virtually ignored in the press.
Pity the poor independent producer who had flown in Mickey and the Goon Squad
to try and promote the upcoming film in which Rourke had been given a role (a
movie not yet finished and not shown). Instead of a professional actor working
to get as much promotional coverage as possible to boost interest in the film,
the press is presented with a tempermental primadonna surrounded by a group
of hired thugs whose sole purpose is to assault people. And when those people
being assaulted are the press, they’re not about to spend their money
promoting him.
Take for example Mr. Rourke’s surprise appearance at a Carlton Hotel beach party. Sponsored by an independant producer,
it was strictly by invitation only. Held coincidentally at the Carlton’s
beachfront restaurant, it was for distributors, financiers and prospective buyers
of a new film. And of course for the press, but only the press who had invitations.
CNN was there, as was HBO and Entertainment Tonight. It was a chance for these
people to talk and do business and meet some of the stars. Dolph Lundgren showed
up. The former world champion kickboxer came by himself, no bodyguards, just
holding his wife’s hand as they mingled with the crowd. Actress Dana Meyer
was there, no bodyguards or boyfriends. Actress Rebecca DeMornay arrived. She
arrived with a bodyguard, but freely mingled with the invited guests, shaking
hands, posing for pictures, doing short on-camera interviews, signing autographs,
being gracious and beautiful and charming. As the party was well underway, there
was suddenly a commotion on the stairs leading down to the restaurant. Mickey
and the Goon Squad had arrived. They descend into the party, pushing and shoving
people out of their way so that “the star” can have his space. Just
who are the people they’re pushing and shoving? The people being asked
to buy his product! It seemed that Mickey was upset because he didn’t
know this was a party. He needed to be alone to sulk, so the Goons start shouting at everyone to get off the
beach.
Mickey has got to have his space and he spies a small pier which
extends over the water. He walks to the end and the Goons barracade
themselves across the middle to keep the invited guests away. Finally, the head
of the company goes out to soothe Mickey’s hurt feelings. After a few
tender moments patting the Mick on the back, Rourke agrees to join the party
for a few minutes. He lands back on Earth with his five henchmen surrounding
him to keep the adoring crowds at bay. What exactly they were protecting him
from remains a mystery. If there was anybody who ran the risk of being attacked
at this party it was Rebecca DeMornay, because there were a whole bunch of guys
that wanted to jump on her. Anyway, in a matter of minutes Mickey leaves, disgusted
by it all.
That little scene sure helped the movie a lot.
Need we say any more?
Okay then, let’s try the MTV party....