De Palma's Black Dahlia to open Venice Fest

It’s time for fest fans to start getting frothy again as the 63rd Venice Film Festival – which kicks off on 30 August - has announced its line-up.

And among those that will be in competition for a Golden Lion is Brian De Palma’s new film, The Black Dahlia. The story sees a pair of cops (Josh Hartnett and Aaron Eckhart) investigating the true-life murder of actress Elizabeth Short (Mia Kirshner). But when they start becoming a little too obsessed with the case, it interferes with Eckhart’s relationship with Kay (Scarlett Johansson). And Hartnett becomes infatuated with a mysterious femme fatale (Hilary Swank) with a dark link to the dead woman.

Also up for the big prize this year from the US are Darren Aronofsky’s epic sci-fi pic The Fountain, Allen Coulter’s story of Superman star George Reeves’ suicide, Hollywoodland, Alfonso Cuarón’s Children Of Men and Emilio Estevez’ Bobby, which charts the events surrounding the assassination of US Senator Robert Kennedy.

And Stephen Frears’ The Queen represents the UK, as the film sequel to his TV drama The Deal. Helen Mirren plays Her Maj as she argues with Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) over how to react to Princess Diana’s death.

To get a taste of what Venice attendees will be watching when they settle into their seats for The Black Dahlia, you can check out the trailer, which has gone online at Yahoo Movies, by clicking here .

For full details on the Venice Film Festival, check out its site by clicking here .

Sources: ( Yahoo Movies ) ( La Biennale )

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