Crowds Go Wilde For Jessica: Flame-haired Sexy Looked on fire at Venice Film Festival

She may still be relatively unknown this side of the Atlantic, but Jessica Chastain already looked part of the Hollywood elite in Venice.
The rising star was a natural in front of the cameras as she posed on the red carpet ahead of the screening for her new film Wilde Salome.
Oozing elegance in a long, chic peach Elie Saab gown, the 30-year-old actress posed confidently and dedicated time to signing autographs for fans.

A star is born: Jessica Chastain is a natural in front of the cameras at the Venice Festival screening of Wilde Salome

Backless beauty: Flame-haired Jessica oozes elegance on the red carpet

Premiering at the 68th Venice International Film Festival, the movie is a documentary-drama written, directed by and starring Al Pacino.

 

The legendary Godfather star was also in attendance with stunning girlfriend Lucila Sola, a mere 40 years his junior.
Pacino takes viewers on a journey as he unravels Oscar Wilde's most controversial work Salome, a play so fuelled with scandal it was banned in 1892 before eventually coming 
to light four years later. 

 

Prom queen: Jessica dazzled in a classy gown that made her the belle of the ball

Working the camera: Actress blew kisses to the fans as the paparazzi clicked away

It is not the first project of Chastain's young career that has been greeted with controversy.

The Californian also stars in upcoming drama The Help, a tale based on Kathryn Stockett's novel of the same name, about a young white woman and her relationship with two black maids during the early 1960s.
Her performance as Celia Foote, a troubled housewife who befriends her housekeeper, has been widely praised by critics.  

Three's company: Jessica posed with Al Pacino and his young girlfriend Lucila Sola

Up close and personal: Jessica went into the crowd to sign autographs for the eager fans

Rise to fame: Jessica's notoriety is set to soar with the release of Wilde Salome and The Help

Big break: Jessica plays Celia Foote in The Help alongside Octavia Spencer

Cooper spent 12 years working as a nanny and maid for Stockett's brother and sister-in-law, yet has received no payment or royalties.
She said: ‘When I started to read the book, I said, "This is the closest thing to my life I ever seen. It’s gotta be me."

'I felt the emotions in my heart all over again. Kathryn copied parts of my life and used them without even asking me.'
Abilene’s lawyer, Edward Sanders, stated: 'The Help’s big appeal is to white people. It makes them feel good because it’s about a white woman who reaches across the racial divide to help poor black servants.

'It hasn’t done anything to help Abilene. She feels Stockett is just one more white woman who has exploited an African-American.'

Friends with the stars: Madonna and Frida Giannini showed their support for Jessica as she attended the 2011 Gucci Award For Women In Cinema Awards Ceremony in Venice on Friday

Thankfully Chastian is not at the centre of the drama and is busy schoozing with friends in high places.
Madonna and Italian designer Frida Giannini watched as the actress spoke at the Gucci Award For Women In Cinema Awards Ceremony last Friday.
Taking place at the Cipriani Hotel in Venice, Italy, the young star accepted her prize in a typically gorgeous gown and slicked black hair in front of her showbiz comrades.

Woman in black: Jessica poses outside the Hotel Cipriani in a sophisticated black gown