Perdition 'Totally Immoral'

Oscar-winning British director Sam Mendes has decided he would like to return to theatre, after he spent the weekend at the Venice film festival defending his latest release, The Road To Perdition, from the critics.

Oscar success garnered from the popular and acclaimed American Beauty brought Mendes right into the heart of the world of film, and he has just topped up his winning streak with another big-budget Oscar potential, starring Tom Hanks.

Although well-received by American audiences, Sam found himself on the defensive as British critics attacked Perdition in Venice.

Evening Standard film buff Alexander Walker questioned the morality of the gangster drama, set in depression-era Chicago.

He challenged Mendes about missing out details of the original Max Allan Collins graphic novel, such as the role played by the Catholic church and the fact the main character went to confession after each killing.

Walker claimed the film had no moral conscience and was failing to reach large audiences because it was "totally immoral".

But Mendes denied the church was absent from the play and strongly defended its moral fibre.

He said: "It's a deeply moral film.

After the tough job he had convincing critics about Perdition, Mendes sang the praises of a career in the theatre.

"Theatre is freeing. A chance to escape into something more organic. I want to go back."