The latest advancement in computer generated effects—a convincing reversal of the human aging process—is on display (spoiler alert) in an early scene of X-Men: The Last Stand, in which Ian McKellen's Magneto and Patrick Stewart's Prof. Xavier are rendered 20 years younger for a flashback. As McKellen raved to reporters in Cannes about the technique ("It's as brilliantly done as airbrushing in a magazine. You cannot tell the difference,"), director Brett Ratner fretted about how the powerful technology could possibly change showbiz forever:

"I'm scared for Hollywood, because A-list movie stars are going to be putting that in their contract. `I want 10 years taken off me.' This technology is unbelievable," said "X-Men: The Last Stand" director Brett Ratner. "It's like painting the lines out of your face. Why do people have to have plastic surgery, anymore? Just be in a movie and look flawless and perfect."

Sadly, had Faye Dunaway's career peaked only a quarter of a century later than it did, she too could have taken full advantage of the risk-free benefits of digital rejuvenation. Instead, she arrived at Cannes having taken 20 years off the old fashioned way: by storming into her plastic surgeon's office and ignoring his warning that the extreme overhaul she's demanding would make her look like Jessica Biel's terrifying aunt.

• X-Men stars get digital facelifts [CNN/AP]

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