Brad Pitt and George Clooney, who were guests at the 81st annual Venice International Film Festival, were on display at the end of last week in a series of photo-calls, red carpets, ceremonies, social events, press conferences and cocktail parties, where they dazzled Venice with their charm, humor and complicity. To such an extent one almost forgot they were there, first and foremost, to showcase the film Wolfs, directed by Jon Watts, which will be released on Apple TV on September 27. However, considering the storyline of this traditional buddy movie, can it really be called a drama?
The two friends' tap-dancing act is perfectly honed, with each playing a specific sartorial role to avoid too much head-on competition. Pitt is the modern, fashionable sharp dresser, in search of deconstruction and able, with a glimpse of tan, blond streaks and bulging muscles, to smoothly set off the creative cut or unexpected color of an outfit. And it has to be said, it’s pretty well done, even if the chunky sneakers leave a lot to be desired.
Clooney embodies a different masculine model. He is more discreet than showy; more classic than fashionable; more ideal son-in-law than California surfer; more conservative and less casual; more wiry than muscular; more pearl-gray than sea-green and more graying than dyed. Overall, it is quite effective except for the epic footwear fail – what was the idea behind completing his outfit with a clunky pair of boots when loafers were called for?
Although dressed quite differently, Clooney and Pitt have one thing in common in this photo: Both are making a point of showing off their watches. One taking care to place it at arm's length and the other adopting the time-honored pose of watch enthusiasts delighted with their new purchase. In this case, Clooney plays the conscientious Omega ambassador, while Pitt, sporting a yellow gold Patek Philippe Calatrava, flaunts his passion for watches.
Mention must be made of the pride of winged lions adorning the blue wall behind the stars. Equivalent to the Cannes Palme d’Or, the lion is as much the festival’s symbol as it is of Venice and specifically that of the evangelist Saint-Mark, whose remains rest in the eponymous Venetian basilica. It should be noted that while the lion depicted here is minimalist in design and devoid of any accessories, he is traditionally equipped with a sword and a book, the former symbolizing war, and the latter peace.
Translation of an original article published in French on lemonde.fr; the publisher may only be liable for the French version.