Spielberg Asks Clinton For Help With Munich

Hollywood director Steven Spielberg is so worried about the reception his new based-on-fact terrorist drama will receive, he has enlisted the assistance of former US President Bill Clinton.

Munich, about the hunting down of Palestinian militants who killed 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympic Games, promises to be controversial when it premieres next month (DEC05). Officials from both countries have already expressed concern after advance reports of the film's subject matter.

Spielberg has asked Clinton to advise on how best to deal with the potentially explosive reaction awaiting Munich's release, writes British newspaper The Sunday Times.

Clinton is believed to have already read the screenplay and has asked a number of his former aides to assist Spielberg in the run-up to the movie's premiere.

Among those helping the Schindler's List film-maker are Clinton's former Middle East envoy DENNIS ROSS, who is said to have introduced Spielberg to Palestinian and Israeli officials.

The director is also being assisted by former Clinton White House spokesman Mike McCurry.

Munich stars Eric Bana, Daniel Craig and Geoffrey Rush and is scheduled for a 23 December release in the US.