Post here all the news and reviews coming from Italy to this message board. What films will become Oscar contenders after the festival wraps up and what films will be gone forever from the race?

I live in Italy, so I've read many reviews from Venice Film Festival on Italian newspapers. This is a summary of the critical reaction to some of the most important films in competition so far:

ATONEMENT
The reviews have been all positive (although someone said the film is too conventional and not particularly original). I don't think this film will win the Golden Lion (they usually give that award to more complex films with strong social issues, while this is a romantic love-story). Anyway, "Atonement" is still my most anticipated film of the year so far (I've read Ian McEwan's novel, and I have to say it's one of the most beautiful books I've read in the last years). Christopher Hampton's screenplay is said to be excellent, and probably he got high chances to win his second Academy Award after "Dangerous Liaisons".
Also, every Italian critic praised the whole cast. James McAvoy and Keira Knightley both get very good reviews, and the same for Saoirse Ronan (the young Birony). But the film's best shot in the acting category is maybe the great Vanessa Redgrave: Italian critics said she's wonderful in her role (the old Briony), and although she's got just seven minutes on screen, her performance has been described as moving and heartbreaking. I really hope she'll be nominated (and possibly win, if the competition is weak).

SLEUTH
Reviews about this remake have been almost entusiastic. Critics praised so much Harold Pinter's bitter and ambiguous screenplay and the brilliant performances of the two characters. Usually remakes don't win many awards, especially when the original is such a masterpiece as Joseph L. Mankiewicz 1972 classic... but actually I would put my money on Michael Caine for a Volpi Cup as Best Actor (and maybe an Oscar nomination too).

LUST, CAUTION
Italian critics generally have said the film is good, but not exceptional. The picture is beautifully filmed, but the story is not perfect in its global structure - and the biggest part of the critical attention was on the strong sexual scenes. Plus, Ang Lee won the Golden Lion with "Brokeback Mountain" just two years ago, so this time he will probably be ignored by the jury.

REDACTED
Considering the reviews I've read about the last Brian De Palma film, I think this new war-drama got good chances to be among the top contenders for the Golden Lion (at least at the moment). Reviews have been all very positive, and the critics praised the dramatic and realistic tone of the narration. One of the best-reviewed films at the Festival so far.

MICHAEL CLAYTON
The reviews have been good (in some case very good), but not excellent, and this is not the kind of film that usually wins at festivals. George Clonney's performance has been praised, but I don't think he will be awarded, considering the strong competition from other actors (anyway, after Ben Affleck absurd win last year, I suppose everything is possible).

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH
Another film with excellent reviews at this year's Venice Festival. Critics described Paul Haggis work as a "classic" film that comes close to perfection, with a strong message, important social issues and a great cast. One of the strongest contenders at the moment - I yet can perceive the sweet smell of Oscars...

Today, in Venice there are "It's a Free World" by Ken Loach and "The Assassination of Jesse James" starring Brad Pitt - both in competition, and both have received very good reviews, from what I've heard until now. Plus, out of competition there is the new film by Woody Allen, "Cassandra's Dream", a crime-drama set in London and starring Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor. Reviews have been good (although not totally positive), and "Cassandra's Dream" looks as Allen's darkest and most bitter film in his whole career. Critics said this film is very similar to 2005's "Match Point" - but not the best one of the two movies, so I suppose it will be a bigger hit in Europe than in America. About its Oscar possibilities... another Best Original Screenplay nomination, I suppose.

Thanks so much for passing on the word of mouth. With most of us living in the U.S., it's very good to hear what is going on elsewhere in the world, especially in the world of film.

I'm glad to hear the In the Valley of Elah received such strong reviews. That film still stands as one of my most anticipated.

Once again, thank you so much for passing all that information on. I really appreciated it!

You're very kind! I'll be happy to report other news and informations from Italy, fortunally we got some important movie festivals here... next month there is the second edition of Rome Film Festival, I hope to see a preview of "The Golden Age". I'll let you know more buzz and reviews from Venice in the next days...

I am expecting Focus Features to push for both Saoirse Ronan and Romola Garai for Atonement.

The movie, if well received by the crtitics can easily dominate the Best Supporting Actress category. I cearly see these two taking the spots from The Golden Aghe ladies.This point only Jennifer Jason Leigh is the front runner and predicted winner. Evan Rachel Wood will definitely get in if In Bloom is good. I am thinking :

Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporitn Actress ( Garai and Ronan)
Best Picture
Best Director


Other techs and so on.

A big oops for Keira and Romola at Venice, no love for their performances at all. 2 bad

I know it's not listed as a top contender, but was there really much word on Darjeeling limited? I know it was supposed to be screened, right?

After reading the results, I think that "Lust, Caution" will be nominated for various technical awards while Cate Blanchett will either be nominated (and most likely win) for either "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" or "I'm Not There".