The Coen brothers' latest film, "Burn After Reading," was the highlight of the 65th annual Venice Film Festival yesterday. It was the world premiere of the movie from the famous directors which features George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Frances McDormand. They were all present on the red carpet in Venice, where they took pictures with fans, and signed autograph books. The film is screening out of competition, though.

Trade paper Variety panned the comic spy spoof, calling it a "flame-out." Todd McCarthy wrote the following: "Nothing about the project's execution inspires the feeling that this was ever intended as anything more than a lark, which would be fine if it were a good one… As it is, audience teeth-grinding sets in early and never lets up."

Brad Pitt however was the most appreciated ingredient of the film. "Pitt slices the ham very thick indeed, but uniquely emerges as endearing in doing so," Todd McCarthy said. Pitt plays a gym instructor who childishly believes in a plan to make money out of the memoirs of a failed CIA analyst by presenting them as valuable state secrets.

Caught totally unprepared for an award, Pitt received a best actor trophy that he was awarded for last year's “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.” After being congratulated for his twins, Pitt answered laughing: "You can run but you can't hide. It was an honor to receive this last year and it's an honor to receive it this year. Thank you very much."

This year’s prizes will be awarded on 6 September.