The film was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival . Andrew Johnston stated : " Most of Greenaway 's signature visual devices ( elaborate title cards , superimposed images ) are employed here ; but accompanied by U2 songs and traditional Asian music , instead of a Michael Nyman score , they seem fresher and more dynamic than before . The actors are required to submit completely to Greenaway 's mechanics , but there is n't one bad performance . McGregor and Oida ( as a venal publisher ) are especially fine . " Reviews were mixed to positive , as it currently holds a 66 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 53 reviews with the consensus : " '' The Pillow Book '' is undeniably sensual and visually ravishing , but the film 's narrative lacks the hypnotic pull of its imagery . "
1996 Cannes Film Festival
1996 Cannes Film Festival
The Pillow Book (film)