Portable Planet

Atonement, the cinematic adaptation of the beloved Ian McEwan novel, has been chosen to open the revered Venice Film Festival.

The film stars Keira Knightley and is directed by Joe Wright, who previously directed Ms. Knightley in the latest movie version of Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice.  The actress was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance as Lizzie Bennett.

“She’s developing as an actress all the time and I think her performance here is the best thing she has ever done,” beamed Wright.   

“For the first time in its history, the opening film is the work of a young director,” said festival head honcho Marco Muller. “It is a film that, in terms of emotive and visual power, is greater than some of the major films of many acclaimed directors.”

Keira will be attending the world premiere, which will take place in Venice on August 29.