CANNES WATCH: Weinstein hypes film slate, talks ‘Grace of Monaco’ absence

CANNES, France – Harvey Weinstein’s annual Cannes presentation promoted films featuring a buff Jake Gyllenhaal, a Shakespearean Michael Fassbender and an old-school Bill Murray.

Touting upcoming releases to buyers and media, , the Weinstein Co. co-chairman previewed footage Friday that, perhaps most excitingly, included a fiery Fassbender as lead in a stylish “Macbeth,” (no release date yet). He also showcased a lean, muscular Gyllenhaal in training scenes from the currently-in-production boxing drama “Southpaw.” From “St. Vincent,” which hits theatres in October, Murray appears to be in broad comedic form as an outlandish next-door-neighbour to a young boy he reluctantly mentors.

Weinstein arrived in Cannes after his conspicuous absence at the festival’s opening night premiere, the Grace Kelly melodrama “Grace of Monaco.” Weinstein is to release the film but has feuded about the final cut with the director, Olivier Dahan.

Dahan said Wednesday their differences have been resolved. Weinstein, who promoted “Grace of Monaco” in Cannes last year, said he was on a previously planned humanitarian trip to Jordan during the premiere.

“That was planned long before I even knew that ‘Grace’ was going to be the opening night in Cannes,” Weinstein said.

Naomi Watts (“St. Vincent”) and Ryan Reynolds (period romance “Tulip Fever”) were on hand for the presentation.

Other notable films previewed included the children’s book adaptation “Paddington” (due out in December), Tim Burton’s promising-looking “Big Eyes” (opening Christmas), about the painter Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) and the undated “Suite Francaise,” a World War II drama set in France starring Michelle Williams.

— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle, http://twitter.com/jake_coyle