Knightley's Atonement kicks off Venice Festival

Keira Knightley's new movie ATONEMENT officially kicked off the Vencie Film Festival last night. The film, hotly tipped for Oscar come March, also stars James McAvoy and is directed by Knightley's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE helmer Joe Wright.


The festival will take in a few premieres over the next week or so. Besides ATONEMENT, Kennth Branagh's remake of the classic Michael Caine movie SLEUTH gets its debut, as well as Ang Lee's controversial erotic drama LUST/ CAUTION and the new George Clooney film MICHAEL CLAYTON.

Tim Burton is also to receive The Golden Lion Lifetime Acheivement. Venice 2007 is the 75th anniversary of the celebrated festival.