John Travolta reveals the truth behind his eye-catching beret at Cannes Film Festival
John Travolta certainly turned heads over the weekend with his fashion looks at the Cannes Film Festival, but has now admitted he wore the beret to help him “play the part of a director”.
The iconic film star has traded his place in front of the camera to sit in the director’s chair for his movie Propeller One-Way Night Coach, which premiered at the prestigious French festival. He was also unexpectedly presented with an honorary Palme d’Or, which he said was “a complete surprise”.
But, it was less this seismic achievement and more Travolta’s choice of outfit which grabbed the headlines, as he was seen wearing a high-fashion beret and round glasses at the event, deeply unlike his usual style.
However, the actor has now attempted to explain his clothing muses in an interview with CNN, where he said: “The old-school directors wore berets and the glasses, and I thought, ‘That’s what I’m doing’.”
More than just being a fashion choice, though, the 72-year-old thought the outfit would also aid his memory so he doesn’t forget the events of Cannes. “I’ve been around for 50 years doing movies, but when I look back, I can’t tell the difference between the events,” he admitted.
Travolta continued: “But I’m a director this time. You’re an actor – play the part of a director,” saying his clothes were “an homage to playing a director” and that it would help him remember the experience with “vividness”.
Indeed, you would like to think that the actor would not forget his directorial debut in a hurry, especially since Propeller One-Way Night Coach is based on his own 1997 children’s book, with him also writing, co-producing, and starring in the film.
On top of this, the movie also features his daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta. Following its premiere at Cannes, the film is set to be released on Apple TV+ at the end of the month.
When receiving his surprise Palme d’Or, Travolta said (per BBC News) that it was “a humbling moment” and “beyond the Oscar”, for which he has been nominated twice.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.