This George Clooney is in Italy, at his Lake Como home, a few days ago getting some down time before he opens the Venice Film Festival in The Ides of March which is then coming to Toronto for TIFF. As he directed and stars in the movie, he will be pushing it heavy through the fall, hoping for yet another Oscar run...concurrently with another feature, The Descendents, directed by Alexander Payne.

The photo agency says that the grey haired dude also pictured here is Jeff Bridges. I don't think it's Jeff Bridges. But I do think it's activist John Prendergrast who has worked closely with Clooney to raise awareness about the situation in Sudan and who was the object of Jane Bussmann's hilarious affection in her book The Worst Date Ever.

There has been no sign of George's new girlfriend Stacey Keibler. She was papped in LA on the weekend. And while she's also been shot arriving at his Hollywood home recently, I do wonder why she hasn't joined him in Italy. George is old school with his girls though. One of the benefits of dating obscure targets with low profile and few job prospects is that they're free to accompany him all the time, around the world, whenever he requires their services. A full time escort, if you will. Stacey, so far, doesn't seem to fit the template.

Am curious to know what the strategy will be around this as he moves into campaign season.


Photos from Bauergriffinonline.com