Achilles And The Tortoise promises to be a more light-hearted affair, focusing as it does on a talentless artist (played by the director) and his relationship with his doting wife.

BBC: Venice gala starts awards season

Among the favourites for the Golden Lion are Japanese directors Takeshi Kitano, with Achilles and the Tortoise, and Hayao Miyasaki, for the animated feature Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

BBC: Pitt and Clooney at Venice debut