Kathleen Kennedy Chases Clout for Indy 5 at Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious and glamorous events in the film industry, has been a symbol of cinematic excellence and international cultural exchange for nearly three-quarters of a century. Held annually in the exquisite French Riviera city of Cannes, the festival has become synonymous with glitz, glamour, and the celebration of the art of filmmaking. Let us embark on a journey through the rich history of the Cannes Film Festival, tracing its humble beginnings to its current status as a global cinematic extravaganza. Now, Lucasfilm is sending Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny to Cannes in hope that it will create a buzz in the media. Early viewers of the film aren’t so sure.

One of the most coveted awards in the world of cinema, the Palme d’Or, was introduced in 1955 as the festival’s top prize. Designed by jeweler Lucienne Lazon, the palm-shaped golden trophy was a symbol of recognition for the finest film selected by the festival’s jury. Over the years, the Palme d’Or has come to represent the pinnacle of artistic achievement and has been awarded to some of the most revered films in history. But don’t hold your breath for Indy to take home the Palme. That’s not really the aim of Harrison Ford’s final fling with the fedora and whip.

Instead, it’s more about changing the story surrounding Kathleen Kennedy following a decade of poor performance at Lucasfilm.

Kathleen Kennedy was once a name that resonated throughout the corridors of Hollywood, synonymous with creativity, leadership, and groundbreaking achievements. As one of the most influential and successful producers in the film industry, her career spans several decades and boasts an impressive list of accolades. From her early collaborations with Steven Spielberg to her pivotal role at Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy had already left an indelible mark on the world of cinema before coming to Lucasfilm. But once George Lucas sold the studio to Disney, things shifted dramatically. The once lauded studio head had two successful Star Wars movies followed by such collapses that the entire franchise has failed to produce a movie in seven years.

Kennedy’s journey in the film industry began in the late 1970s when she joined forces with the young and visionary director, Steven Spielberg. Yes, she was getting coffee — a chide that still bothers her to this day. Their partnership beyond those early days, formed on the set of “1941,” laid the foundation for a creative alliance that would endure for decades. Together, they co-founded Amblin Entertainment, which produced a string of iconic films, including “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” and the “Indiana Jones” series. As Spielberg’s producing partner, Kathleen Kennedy played a pivotal role in the success of Amblin Entertainment. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, creative instincts, and business acumen, she helped guide the company to become a prominent player in the industry. Under her leadership, Amblin produced critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, earning numerous Academy Awards and establishing a reputation for excellence.

But moving away from Spielberg was not so easy.

In 1992, Kathleen Kennedy embarked on a new chapter in her career by co-founding The Kennedy/Marshall Company with her husband, Frank Marshall. The production company continued her tradition of producing exceptional films, such as “The Sixth Sense,” “Seabiscuit,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” The Kennedy/Marshall Company showcased Kennedy’s ability to identify compelling stories, nurture talented filmmakers, and deliver captivating narratives to audiences worldwide. But something was amiss. While she did have some hits with her new venture, they were not as big as her earlier years with Spielberg. Some began to wonder if she had risen riding the coattails of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. But saying so outloud in Hollywood was strictly forbidden.

In 2012, Kathleen Kennedy assumed the role of President of Lucasfilm, marking a significant turning point in her career. She took over the reins from George Lucas himself and spearheaded the continuation of the beloved “Star Wars” saga. Kennedy’s leadership led to the creation of a new trilogy, starting with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which rejuvenated the franchise and captivated both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. She expanded the reach of Lucasfilm by producing a serviceable standalone film in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” But other Star Wars movies and failed projects, along with a terrible Willow revival, all obliterated the reputation of Kennedy among her peers and among fans. She was now perceived as incompetent in guiding Lucasfilm.

And ultimately, that’s who Kennedy wants to be compared to… only better. She wishes to be a Fellini, a Tarantino, AND a highly successful business woman: the Queen of Hollywood.

It’s only a shame that according to early views of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the film simply isn’t a vehicle to make that happen. It’s yet another symbol of Kennedy’s Lucasfilm tenure: a film that subjugates men to the back seat and heavy-handedly pushes female characters into a god-mode power demonstration. And as a result, they become unlikeable, unidentifiable monstrosities of short-lived, modern tropes.