VENICE, Italy (Hollywood Reporter) - The 62nd Venice International Film Festival kicked off Wednesday, with directors Ang Lee and John Woo the only major Hollywood names on show.
Chinese director Tsui Hark was also on hand with principal cast for the world premiere of his martial arts action film "Seven Swords."
Having faced criticism for putting together another Hollywood-heavy lineup to the detriment of European cinema, festival director Marco Mueller said it was time to let the movies do the talking.
"Finally you all will be exposed to this year's program. Finally we get to start talking about the films," he told the audience.
Following the "Swords" screening, invitees strolled across the road to a dinner on the Lido seafront, capped off with a fireworks display.
In the aftermath of the July terrorist bombings in London, security measures in Venice were ramped up, as Italy is considered to be among potential targets because of its involvement in Iraq. They include increased security personnel, metal detectors, bag checks and a winding panel of barricades. A helicopter circled during the red carpet procession.
Organizers are clearly eager to avoid a repeat of organizational problems that characterized last year's festival. But Biennale president Davide Croff's remarks at a media conference earlier Wednesday were laced with hedges and qualifications.
"We need you to help us with the patience that is necessary, considering what the authorities have asked of us in the last 20 days," said Croff, adding that he expected there to be "minor inconveniences" over the next 24-48 hours as the security detail worked out its kinks.
"As (Mueller) has said, the other major festivals have had years to figure out their security, but for us this is entirely new," he said.
At the jury's opening-day press conference, its president, Oscar-winning Italian production designer Dante Ferretti, waxed diplomatic after being prodded about speculation that with three Italian films in competition and a national slump in recent years, the host country may be the odds-on favorite for the Golden Lion, Venice's top prize.
"A Lion for Italy? Let's hope it deserves it. Anyways, I am not alone, but one of seven, and we have to discuss all of this democratically. Right now it is a little early," he said.
The opening title in the competition section is George Clooney's sophomore directorial project, "Good Night, and Good Luck," a 1950s-set drama depicting the events surrounding newscaster Edward R. Murrow and Sen. Joseph McCarthy that premieres Thursday with Clooney in tow. The other American film in competition is John Turturro's musical comedy "Romance & Cigarettes," which premieres Tuesday.
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