The Wrestler Scoops Golden Lion - page 2

08-09-2008 10:18

As Aronofsky collected his award for best picture, Rourke was on hand to lead the congratulations, telling the audience at the ceremony, "Darren could make other kinds of movies if he wanted to, make a lot of money in the United States.

"I love and respect him because he doesn't compromise and he wants to make movies that are not that expensive, that have a lot of integrity."

It may have been a poor showing this year for American movies but Aronofsky's movies has been the highlight of the under par festival.

Venice has come under fire this year for fielding a weak selection of twenty one movies for the main competition. Despite this The Burning Plain starring Charlize Theron and Hayao Miyazaki's Ponyo on the Cliff were strong contenders for the top prize.

Meanwhile, the Silver Lion was awarded to Russian filmmaker Aleksey German Jr. for best director for his work in Bumaznyi soldat (Paper Soldier). The best male and female titles went to Italy's Silvio Orlando, for Il Papa di Giovanna (Giovanna's Father), and France's Dominique Blanc, for her role in L'Autre (The Other One).

Venice Film Festival marks the beginning of the long road to the Oscars and although it seemed unlikely at the beginning of the festival a possible Oscar contender may just have been found.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw