Some films come to Cannes as no-brainers, clearly deserving of their berth sight unseen. (Good or bad, this year’s work from Michael Haneke, Andrey Zvyagintsev, Todd Haynes and Ruben Ostlund probably fit in that category.) And some films come to Cannes and face a skeptical audience that wants to see proof that they belong on the Croisette.
It’s safe to say that Jacques Doillon’s “Rodin” arrived at Cannes on Tuesday in the latter category. And at best, the honorable, old-fashioned biopic might skate by for being a throwback at a 70th anniversary festival that’s making a point of nostalgia — but if you’re looking for a hint of the freshness and verve that mark the best Cannes films, you won’t find it in this rather dull look at the art and love life (not necessarily in that order) of the French sculptor.