Well, it's not a surprise but it is a disappointment. A few weeks ago we reported that Icon were planning to release Terrence Malick's The Tree Of Life on May 4 in the UK. At the time, that was accurate, but Icon has now told us that the release date has moved back. We don't have a new date yet, but you can bet your ass it will be post-Cannes Film Festival.
Says Zak Brilliant of Icon, "As of last night Icon will not now be releasing Tree of Life on May 4. There is a legal issue ongoing for the film which we hoped to resolve but were unable to do so."
The legal issue he mentions is the fact that Summit has taken legal action in Los Angeles over the plans. There was also a storm in a teacup of protest from self-proclaimed members of the "Cannes elite", horrified that a "single mother from Leeds" might see Malick's latest effort before they got a chance. We're sure they'll be relieved that said Yorkshire filmgoers now face a trek to the Croissette to get their Malick fix on this May.
The Cannes Film Festival starts on May 11, and our very own members of the "elite", Damon Wise, Chris Hewitt and Sam Toy, will be there to bring you all the news from the Festival. Check back later today for more on **The **Tree Of Life, by the by.