London Film Festival Opening Night Gala

This year's London Film Festival kicks off in Leicester Square today. The opening night gala screening is The Fantastic Mr Fox; Wes Anderson's latest offering that brings to life one of Roald Dahl's most loved books.

It stars a staggering ensemble of Hollywood heavyweights including George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Bill Murray and could prove to be a surprise hit.

Stars of Fantastic Mr Fox, including George Clooney and Bill Murray, have walked the red carpet as the movie launched the London Film Festival. But Meryl Streep, who voices Mrs Fox in the film version of Roald Dahl's book, stayed in the US because she has flu..

The opening night premiere was also attended by actor David Morrissey, supermodel Cindy Crawford, presenter Jonathan Ross and film director Gurinder Chada, launched the 53rd London Film Festival.

Fantastic Mr Fox tells the tale of a fox who decides to go back to his old thieving ways with disastrous consequences.

Director Wes Anderson, 40, whose previous films include The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, said: "This was actually the first book I ever personally owned, which was officially my property."

The 16-day Festival promises to continue its trend of delivering contemporary, diverse and thought-provoking cinema across the capital and there are some real gems to be found in its line-up.