The Dirt: The 65th Venice International Film Festival starts on August 27 and runs through September 6, with an international group of directors, screenwriters and actors sure to satisfy film junkies ranging from comedy fans to drama lovers seeking the latest depressing flick to the foreign film addicts pining for the latest cinematic gem coming from France, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Italy and even the Middle East. The festival will open with the latest film from Joel and Ethan Coen, the creators of the award-winning No Country For Old Men. Here’s the lowdown on the movies likely to win the approval of Americans.

Burn After Reading is the latest film by the Coen brothers featuring George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton and Brad Pitt. The drama exhibits quirky humor and Pitt’s acting is slightly similar to that seen in Fight Club, perhaps through the defiance his character exudess. What happens when the average American retail worker stumbles upon classified government information? Blackmail and a series of events to follow. An impressive cast and a suspenseful storyline will make this film appealing to a diverse crowd.

Rachel Getting Married, a family drama starring Anne Hathaway and Debra Winger, is the classic case of the dysfunctional American family and the black sheep, Hathaway. A recovering addict, Hathaway’s character returns home for her sister’s wedding to a cold welcome, with everyone expecting her to act up. While a different story line, the film might be grouped with the likes of Parenthood Pieces of April and even Little Miss Sunshine, for their portrayal of the dysfunctional American family struggling to piece things together and reconcile amid clashing personality types. It may be the role that demonstrates Hathaway’s abilities as an actress, straying from the ultra-feminine, fashionista-type roles.

Valentino: The Last Emperor is a flick for the fashionistas directed by Vanity Fair Special Correspondent Matt Tyrnauer. Watch for a glimpse into the life of famous Italian fashion designer, Valentino Garavani and the fashion industry as a whole.

The Burning Plain marks the directorial debut of Guillermo Arriaga, the screenwriter behind Babel, 21 Grams and Amores Perros. The movie is a number of interconnected stories, one of which includes the tale of a woman played by Charlize Theron trying to deal with a rocky childhood and her relationship with parents. Kim Basinger plays her mother.

Bonus:
Natalie Portman will have her directorial debut on September 1 when Eve is played in the short film category. The 17-minute comedy starring Lauren Bacall and Ben Gazzara will show in an out-of-competition slot.