64th Venice Film Festival

64^th Venice Film Festival

The 64^th annual Venice International Film Festival was held in Italy from August 29^th through September 8^th, 2007. Each year, the festival showcases and awards some of the most highly anticipated films, actors and actresses from around the world. We take a look at some of the cinematic highlights.

The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford

Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) hatches a plan to assassinate the infamous outlaw Jesse James (Brad Pitt). Pitt won the Coppa Volpi award for best actor at this year’s festival for the film.

Atonement

Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and Vanessa Redgrave star in “Atonement”. How will the lives of those around her be affected when Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) makes false accusations against her sister’s boyfriend?

Cassandra’s Dream

Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor star in this drama about two brothers who turn to a life of crime with drastic consequences. Woody Allen directs “Cassandra’s Dream” which is set for limited release on November 30^th.

The Darjeeling Limited

Things don’t go as planned for three brothers who venture on an excursion through India to find themselves and each other. Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson star in “The Darjeeling Limited”.

The Hunting Party

Will three men be able to locate one of the world’s most wanted criminals? Richard Gere and Terrence Howard star in “The Hunting Party” that’s set for release in September.

I’m Not There

The legendary musician Bob Dylan is embodied by seven distinct characters (portrayed by Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Ben Whishaw). “I’m Not There” was awarded the festival’s Special Jury Prize and Blanchett won the Coppa Volpi for best actress. The film hits theaters on November 21^st.

In The Valley Of Elah

Hank and Joan Deerfield try to get to the bottom of their son’s disappearance after his tour of duty in Iraq. “In the Valley of Elah” stars Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon and Charlize Theron.

Michael Clayton

Who will be victorious between two competing law firms when a lawyer has inside information that could sway a case one way or another? “Michael Clayton” stars George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson and hits theaters on October 12^th.

Se, Jie

Ang Lee directed “Se, Jie” which won the Golden Lion award for best film at this year’s Venice Film Festival. The movie, set in Shanghai, tells the story of one woman’s dangerous dealings with a powerful politician.

Sleuth

Andrew Wyke must confront Milo Tindle, a younger man who has eyes for his wife. Kenneth Branagh directed “Sleuth” which stars Michael Caine as Wyke and Jude Law and Tindle. Look for this in theaters later this year.

Other Highlights:

Famed director Tim Burton received the acclaimed Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at this year’s Venice Film Festival. Special editions of “Blade Runner”, “Intolerance” and “A Nightmare Before Christmas” were also shown.