(Cover) - EN Showbiz - George Clooney opened the 68th Venice Film Festival yesterday with the world premiere of The Ides of March.

The political thriller is based around a US presidential campaign and was written and directed by George. The Hollywood actor stars as Governor Mike Morris, a democratic presidential candidate, with Ryan Gosling the mastermind behind Morris' campaign.

George attended the prestigious film festival unaccompanied and was greeted by hundreds of fans on the red-carpet. He was joined by his co-stars Evan Rachel Wood, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Marisa Tomei.

George spoke at the premiere, saying his political tale is very fitting for the times. The 50-year-old director was ready to start filming his thriller when US President Barack Obama won the election in 2008.

"Everyone was in such a good mood! It only took about a year for that to all change," he said. "At the moment, cynicism seems to be winning over idealism."

Despite playing a presidential candidate, George insists he has no plans for his own political career. The hunky star will stick to acting.

"There's a guy in the office right now who is smarter and more compassionate than anyone I know," he said of Obama.

"Hollywood's still a playground... and I get to hang around with seductive people."

The stars headed for an exclusive party on the beach after the showing.

The Ides of March is the first of 22 international films competing for the Golden Lion award.

The world premieres of Carnage and Madonna's W.E. are screening at the festival, but out of competition.

Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet are expected on the red carpet for Carnage. (C) Cover Media