It might only be day two, but the Cannes film festival had already uncovered a breakout star.<br/> <br />Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts is earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of a tough guy in the French drama "Rust and Bone".<br/> <br />He's is not new to the big screen, but for thousands of critics and fans it was their first look at the 34-year-old.<br/> <br />And he's lucky because, director Jacques Audiard says Schoenaerts is not the kind of male he typically casts in his films.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Jacques Audiard, director, saying (French):<br/> <br />"Matthias doesn't fit in my usual masculine criteria. I prefer small men, you see. And even I was surprised to choose this tall man, full of muscles."<br/> <br />At the press conference for the movie, Cotillard compared her co-star to some of the biggest names in the industry.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Marion Cotillard, actress, saying (French):<br/> <br />"I've been lucky to work with amazing actors and Matthias is really one of them, such as Di Caprio, Daniel Day Lewis and many others who just get into a project -- (TO SCHOENAERTS) it is always difficult, I try to forget that you're here to be able to talk about you freely."<br/> <br />And as for Schoenaerts' future, things are looking good.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Matthias Schoenaerts, actor, saying (English):<br/> <br />"Last week they called me for Rambo 34... And I said I'll do it if I get 35 and 36 as well! There's a lot of stuff moving and I'm excited but I'm not in a rush so I take my time and I just look for exciting projects."<br/> <br />The Cannes Film Festival runs until May 27th.<br/> <br />Alicia Powell, Reuters.
