video transcript

Some critics accused last year's Venice Film Festival of being too low key. Judging by the Red Carpet agleam with stars on opening night, 2011 is anything but. Indeed jury head the American director Darren Aronofsky says this year's line-up is one of the best he's ever seen. The movie opening the festival was political thriller 'The Ides of March', directed by and starring George Clooney. The Hollywood heartthrob was, as ever, a big draw for fans -- and still attracts marriage proposals from strangers wherever he goes. His film, which also stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, explores the dirty side of politics in a behind-the-scenes look at a US Democratic primary race. Its world premiere in Venice kicked off the 11-day cinema showcase which also promises appearances from Colin Firth, Gwyneth Paltrow and pop superstar Madonna. The movie is one of 22 films in competition, among them new work from Roman Polanski and David Cronenberg. It looks set to be a festival to remember. Edward Baran, Reuters.