Ryan Gosling misses Cannes premiere

Ryan Gosling missed the premiere of ‘Only God Forgives’ at Cannes yesterday (23.05.13).

The Hollywood hunk was conspicuously absent from the premiere of Nicolas Winding Refn’s Bangkok kickboxing film, as he is currently tied up with his directorial debut ‘How to Catch a Monster’ in the US.

In a statement read out by Cannes director Thierry Fremaux, he said: "Can’t believe I’m not In Cannes. I was hoping to come but I’m on week three shooting my film in Detroit.

"I do not have the right to fly while I’m filming. I tried everything to bend the insurance company, but it fell on deaf ears.

"Miss you all. Nicolas, my friend, we really are the same persons in different dimensions. I’m sending you good vibrations."

Refn – whose last film with Gosling, ‘Drive’ was a huge cult success – said he understood why his leading actor couldn’t be at the festival.

He told the audience: "One thing is being an actor. When you’re directing, it’s another arena.

"But I speak to him every day on the phone. In a way, he is here."

The film – which sees Gosling’s character pressured by his gangster mother to avenge his brother’s death – was screened yesterday (22.05.13) and its violent content left critics divided, with some walking out, others giving it five stars.

Speaking about the film’s content, Refn said: "Art is an act of violence. Art is about speaking to our subconscious and our needs at different levels."