Catherine Zeta-Jones looked as stunning as ever when she arrived for the premiere of her new film Intolerable Cruelty at the Venice Film Festival. But the Oscar-winning actress could not steal the spotlight from her co-star George Clooney, who received a surprise marriage proposal at the screening.
After making their entrance on an elegant wooden launch, the pair made their way through crowds of screaming fans and jostling photographers to hold a press conference in the Venice Lido. No sooner were they on the dais, however, than a young woman wearing a wedding veil dashed up to George and asked for his hand in marriage.
As the throng of journalists collapsed into laughter, one critic tried to call proceedings to order, shouting "I'm sorry to raise the level of the press conference, but I would like to ask a question". Quick-witted Clooney was having too much fun, however, and he cut the reporter off by saying: "No, I will not marry you."
Eventually the pair did get around to discussing their new flick, which is the latest offering from the legendary Coen brothers. In the film Catherine plays a serial divorcee, who seeks out wealthy men with the aim of marrying for money.
"I didn't want Marilyn to be that deliciously bitchy because I wanted people to like her," said the Welsh actress. "She's the eye of the storm or a tornado, unaware of what chaos she can create." Marilyn meets her match in the shape of a rich lawyer, played by George. Needless to say, as the couple battle it out in the divorce courts, they can't help falling for one another.
"You can't really underplay the characters," said George. "There's nothing subtle about Joel and Ethan's script." And judging by the frenzy of attention the 42-year-old attracted on Wednesday night, there's nothing subtle about his popularity either.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
