David Cronenberg‘s Cosmopolis and Jacques Audiard‘s Rust and Bone — two films which appeared rather high-up on the Most Anticipated Films of 2012 list we compiled back in January — have both been tapped for mid- to late-May theatrical releases in France. Audiard‘s film will bow on the 17th, with Cronenberg‘s close behind on the 23rd. After learning that Wes Anderson‘s Moonrise Kingdom will open this year’s Cannes Film Festival, it’s hard to not approach the news of these two release dates without considering their implications on the Croisette. [The Playlist]

Last we heard of Rust and Bone was when the prolific Alexandre Desplat, who scored Audiard‘s previous A Prophet, was officially revealed to be the film’s composer. Adapted from a short story collection by Craig Davidson, Rust and Bone stars Marion Cotillard in a story that revolves around a “marine park Orca trainer who loses his leg and then joins Unlimbited Potential, a support group made of addict-amputees.”

Cronenberg, meanwhile, speculated about the production of Cosmopolis back in December. “The movie will be done sometime in January,” he said at the time, “but it won’t be released for about a year, this time next year.” He may have been referring to the film’s stateside release, because when his comments were analyzed at the time, it was thought of as something that would keep the film on the sidelines for the majority of 2012. But an early-year release in France, as well as a potential Cannes appearance, are certainly welcome announcements considering the director’s earlier trepidation.

It’s likely that we’ll be hearing much more Cannes-related news in advance of the festival’s May 16-27 runtime, so keep checking back for updates. Hopefully these two anticipated titles are on the fest’s list once it’s officially unveiled.

Which of these two films are you anticipating more?

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