It's hard to say what the jury is thinking, but I have liked both Clooney and Ang Lee, different films but both incredibly striking. Though sometimes they say there is no point in giving the prize to a U.S. film and in that case it might be 'Sympathy'.

This is the first salvo for the Oscars .

International box office really used to be the icing on the cake. Now it is often the cake itself.

A lot of it is down to chance, down to what films are ready. But this year there were more U.S. premieres than ever before.

Ironically some of the most liked films so far ... were two films by Anglo-Saxon, established directors.

A lot of it is down to chance, down to what films are ready. But this year there were more U.S. premieres than ever before. Even when compared to Cannes, it has done well. It may not have the commercial razzmatazz but in terms of film quality, Venice probably came out ahead.