Hollywood splash on Venice.

Hollywood splash on Venice

Hollywood and its stars, forever remain under the spotlight. The Coen brothers' dark comedy "Burn After Reading" kicked off the festival. The film is not entered in the competition. But the presence of the film's all star cast was a highlight of opening day. George Clooney was there - Brad Pitt, John Malkovich and Tilda Swinton. Pitt also accepted the Best Actor Award that he won at last year's Venice Film Festival. Among the 21 competing films, five are from America: The Wrestler, The Burning Plain, The Hurt Locker, Rachel Getting Married and Vegas: Based on A True Story.

Europe keeps tradition on

Despite the luminance of the Hollywood stars, European films comprise the majority of films entered. Host Italy produced 4 of the 21 films in the competition. France whose film makers have dominated European cinema for decades is well represented by two independent films and four international co-productions. Germany has four films entered. German director Wim Wenders heads the jury at this year's festival.