In Venice, an enchanting evening awaits as Clint Eastwood prepares to step into a whimsical world filled with acrobats and ethereal wood nymphs, all set to a diverse soundtrack of Bach, contemporary jazz, and Italo ethno-pop. This magical atmosphere marks the opening gala of the 57th International Film Festival.

The festival kicks off with the European premiere of “Space Cowboys,” a film featuring the legendary Eastwood alongside co-stars Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner.

Before the film begins, Sharon Stone will honor Eastwood with the prestigious Golden Lion for his lifetime achievements in cinema.

To celebrate this recognition, the festival will showcase a selection of Eastwood’s significant works, including a newly restored version of Sergio Leone’s classic “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” sourced from Italy’s national film archive. Additionally, Bruce Ricker’s documentary “Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows” will debut during the event.

A Unique Theme

While one might expect a cowboy-themed celebration given Eastwood’s iconic roles in Westerns, the festival has chosen a different approach. The Hotel des Bains will be transformed into a dreamlike garden inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” featuring artistic sculptures and intricate decorations.

This creative event reflects the collaboration of multiple sectors from the Biennale, the organization behind the festival, bringing together elements from dance, music, and theater, with a cast of 70 performers.

Despite reports of a limited selection of American films and studio productions this year, festival director Alberto Barbera is optimistic, focusing on fresh talent and new cinematic discoveries. As a result, the star-studded attendance is expected to impress, ensuring that photographers will have plenty of action to capture.On the opening night, Richard Gere and director Robert Altman will grace the event for the global premiere of "Dr. T and the Women," which is part of the competition lineup. Laura Linney will also be present for "You Can Count on Me," a selection for Critics Week.

The festival will welcome a host of other stars, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Harrison Ford, and Robert Zemeckis, who will showcase "What Lies Beneath." Additionally, Vince Vaughn and director Tarsem will arrive for "The Cell," while Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel, and Jon Bon Jovi will represent "U-571," all screening in the late-night lineup focused on dreams and visions.

However, Dan Minahan's "Series 7: The Contenders" has been pulled from the section by USA Films, following its acquisition of North American rights. There are speculations that it will be replaced by David Mamet's "State and Main," which will have its European premiere.

Sally Potter’s "The Man Who Cried" will premiere in competition, featuring Christina Ricci and John Turturro. Cate Blanchett is also expected to attend, depending on her filming schedule for Tom Tykwer's "Heaven" in Italy.

Johnny Depp, part of the cast for "The Man Who Cried," unfortunately had to cancel his Venice appearance due to night shooting commitments in Prague for the Hughes brothers' film "From Hell," which focuses on Jack the Ripper.

Depp's involvement extends to another competition film, "Before Night Falls," directed by Julian Schnabel. This film, which tells the story of Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas, has Spanish actor Javier Bardem in the lead role. It is notably one of the prominent films at the festival seeking a U.S. distribution deal.

In a showcase of directorial efforts, actor Ed Harris will present "Pollock," marking his directorial debut. He stars as the iconic American painter Jackson Pollock in this adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith. Harris will be joined by co-star Marcia Gay Harden at the festival.This weekend, Venice will welcome an exciting array of cinematic talent as the festival unfolds.

Notably, director Tom Tykwer, renowned for “Run Lola Run,” will take a break from his work on Miramax’s “Heaven” to showcase his new film, “The Princess and the Warrior.”

Joining him will be stars Franka Potente and Benno Fuhrmann. Sony Pictures Classics has recently acquired the U.S. rights to this feature, generating considerable buzz.

In addition, another film from Sony, titled “Brother,” will screen out of competition. This film, primarily in English, is a gangster action movie set in Los Angeles.

It features the multi-talented Takeshi Kitano, who not only directs but also stars in the film. Kitano's previous work, “Hana-bi” (Fireworks), earned him the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice festival in 1997.

The Venice Film Festival is set to run until September 9, promising a showcase of exceptional films and talents from around the world.

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