More Venice film festival reactions

First, I'd like to thank the filmgoers at the Venice film festival for booing Oliver Stone's World Trade Center (I hated the film) and giving it the reception it deserves. Karma does exist in the world of cinema. I will now be able to sleep a little easier (coming from an insomniac, that is not saying much).

In contrast, Spike Lee's documentary When the levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts was applauded by its Venice audience. I have actually seen this film and it is a very well constructed documentary which exposes the failings of the Bush government and FEMA in helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Stephen Frears' The Queen has received a very positive response and the reaction to Helen Mirren's performance as Queen Elizabeth II has been great. The film's director and cast even received a 15 minute standing ovation after the film which is usually a sign of quality (usually, although not always).

However, the film "A few days in September" featuring Juliette Binoche and John Turturro has received mixed to negative reviews and comments.

Veteran filmmaker Alain Resnais has received very good response from Venice critics for his film "Private Fears in Public Places," thereby proving that he has not lost his talent.

Paul Verhoeven's film Black Book, about the Dutch anti-nazi resistance, has, overall, obtained a positive response from critics, although one critic had minor complaints. Verhoeven usually directs horrible films like Showgirls, Starship Troopers and the excruciatingly painful Hollow man, so this very positive reaction to his Dutch film will no doubt help his career.

Satoshi Kon's unique animated film Paprika, the only animated film in competition for the Golden Lion, received a standing ovation after its premiere. Now, I can't wait to see it (more so than before.

Mahamat-Saleh Haroun's Daratt (Dry Season) has also been well received at the festival.

I will update the blog with more information later.