Lady-in-red Natalie Portman was the star of the show as her new film officially opened the Venice Film Festival.

The 29-year-old wore a floor length scarlet chiffon gown as she walked the red carpet on Wednesday night.

The actress chatted to fans and posed for pictures with her co-star, French actor Vincent Cassell.

Their ballet thriller, Black Swan, kicked off proceedings in front of an audience including legendary director Quentin Tarantino, who is heading up this year's festival jury.

He also met waiting fans where he practiced his basic Italian.