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James Gray's "We Own the Night" was the first big American indie title of the fest to get a special buyers' screening at the Palais. The Friday unspooling attracted a huge crowd, with beaucoup folks who weren't blessed with buyers' badges summarily turned away. The film doesn't officially screen in competition until May 25.

What did the Yank contingent think? Well, disparate views were voiced, though such comments may often be nothing more than diversionary tactics to throw competitors off the scent.

"It was gripping and 'The Departed' proves that strong crime drama pays," said one.

Another dismissed it as "formulaic and ineptly done."

Several others who attended remained firmly mum on the whole thing.

Two other hot titles emerged as well, concert pic "U2 3D" and Ian Curtis biopic "Control."