Venice Film Festival: Disruption attempts

Anti-globalisation protestors have vowed to continue attempts to disrupt the Venice Film Festival.

They are demonstrating against US movie blockbusters and the amount of money flying around Hollywood.

Dozens of protestors lined the red carpet for the premiere of Tom Hanks' movie The Terminal on Wednesday.

"This should be an event open equally to everyone, not an ostentatious show of wealth and Hollywood power," said 'no-global' organiser Luca Casarini.

The anti-capitalists parked a car decked out like a pirate ship outside the cinema where The Terminal was receiving its star-studded gala opening, reports BBC News.

According to the China Daily, John Travolta, playing a shambling alcoholic in his latest movie alongside Scarlett Johansson, and a French movie about failed love caught the eye of critics at the 61st Venice International Film Festival.

French director Francois Ozon's "5 x 2" (Cinq fois deux) immediately put itself in contention for the prestigious Golden Lion when it was warmly received by critics at a preview, while a Greek film in competition was slated.

One of three French films vying for the top prize at the world's oldest film festival, it features strong performances from Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi and Stephane Freiss.

Travolta's film is not in competition, but has caught the eye because of his performance as a dissolute old soak forced to face up to his past.

Set against the sultry backdrop of New Orleans, "A Love Song for Bobby Long" features the star of "Pulp Fiction" slipping effortlessly into the character of an alcoholic, white-haired literature professor, complete with the classic drawl of America's deep south.

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