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Kevin Costner rode into Cannes with cowboy swagger, making finger pistols on the red carpet to cheers from the crowd ahead of the premiere for , a partially self-financed western that is one of the biggest swings of his long career. Inside the Grand Lumiere Theatre, Costner was greeted with extended applause before the screening, the first public exhibition of the $90 million-plus budgeted film that is planned as part one of a four-part saga. Three hours later, as the credits rolled, the crowd delivered a standing ovation that began to taper off at around the four-and-a-half-minute mark, but then continued on for a total of around ten minutes, ending when a tearful Costner took the microphone to speak about his film, which he directed, produced, co-wrote and stars in.

“I’m sorry you had to clap so long for me to speak,” Costner told the crowd, adding of the movie, “It’s not mine anymore. It’s yours. I knew that the minute this was over.



And that’s the way it should be.” Continued Costner: “I think movies aren’t about their opening weekends, they are about their lives. And about how many times you are willing to share it.

And I hope you do share this movie with your sweethearts, with your children.” is a major gamble for Costner, who has been trying to make the project for more than 30 years. After decades of trying to find studio financier, Costner instead put in $20 million of his own funds into the project, deferring his fees and taking out a lone agai.

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