Venice fest awash with complaints

September 01, 2008 Industry players say that business is off compared to previous years; gossip journalists are complaining about the relative lack of red carpet star power; critics bemoan the a lack of quality films in the lineup; and technical issues are making Internet access on the Lido either absurdly expensive or unreliable. "The conditions this year certainly make you wonder about how important having a big presence in Venice actually is," said one official from a U.S.-based studio, echoing comments from other foreign industry figures. Still -- fairly or not -- the problems in Venice this year are sparking discussions about its place in the pantheon of top film festivals.

Subscribe to the Hollywood Reporter and see the entertainment industry from its best angle: the inside looking out. Complete access to real-time news and exclusive analysis that goes behind the scenes from film to television, home video to digital media.

   Subscribe now.