Monday April 28, 11:47 PM

Coen brothers' new film to open Venice festival

ROME (Reuters) - A spy comedy by Oscar-winning directors Joel and Ethan Coen starring George Clooney, John Malkovich and Brad Pitt will open this year's Venice film festival, organizers said on Monday.

The film, whose working title is "Burn After Reading," tells the story of a former CIA agent whose memoirs fall into the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees.

Also in the cast are Oscar-winning actresses Tilda Swinton and Frances McDormand, who is married to Joel Coen.

The film's world premiere will screen on August 27, kicking off the 65th edition of festival which runs until Sept 6.

The Coen brothers, who have built their career and a loyal cult following as Hollywood outsiders, won a joint Oscar this year for their work directing "No Country for Old Men."

The film also clinched three other Academy Awards, including best movie and adapted screenplay.

(Reporting by Silvia Aloisi, editing by Paul Casciato)