Flashbulbs, intrigue, glamour — you can’t beat Venice

I don’t want to make you jealous but the Venice Lido is basking in the last of the summer sunshine. The only flashes here so far come courtesy of the hordes of photographers snapping pictures of the stars. Lido, normally the sleepiest of seaside resorts, has awoken to find itself besieged by thousands of film critics racing from one screening to the next and whingeing about the infernal ticketing system and legions of rampant mosquitos. Such is the hard life of the international film critic. But for all the complaints, there is much to love about this festival, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.

Timothée Chalamet caused many a teenage heart to flutter as he appeared resplendent in a red velvet halter neck jumpsuit for the premiere of Bones and All. Many of the hundreds of screaming girls awaiting his arrival had spent the day on the hot tarmac and a lucky few were rewarded with selfies, autographs and even the odd hug, Chalamet taking time to reach out to his adoring fans.

Harry Styles made his red-carpet debut to similar scenes of teenage mass hysteria. Styles stars in Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling, which has arrived on the Lido with behind-the-scenes tales of an actor leaving the cast (Shia LaBeouf). Was he fired or did he resign? Wilde won’t say. Florence Pugh, who plays Styles’ wife in the film, was conspicuously absent from the press conference for the film but made an appearance for the film’s official screening. Styles got together with Wilde during filming and they made quite a splash when they arrived on the Lido in their separate water taxis.

More feelgood moments on the Lido were provided by the immensely likable Brendan Fraser, who was in town for Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale. Fraser was treated to a six-minute standing ovation for his portrayal of the morbidly obese English teacher. If the reaction here on the Lido is anything to go by, there is a good chance of an Oscar nomination for Fraser.

Venice offers an intoxicating mix of Hollywood glamour with Italian beach chic and you can enjoy an Aperol spritz on the seashore for €3. Unlike Cannes, which is all business and tight security, Venice has a more relaxed vibe. Sun, sea, spritz and the pick of international cinema. What more could you ask for? Viva the Venice Film Festival!