Actor Owen Wilson is recovering well from his alleged suicide attempt, and is back to cracking jokes, the director of his new film said today.

Hollywood star Wilson was due to appear at the Venice Film Festival for the world premiere of his latest comedy The Darjeeling Limited. Instead he sent a message saying he wished he could be there.

At the beginning of a press conference to discuss the film, director Wes Anderson - one of Wilson's close friends - spoke about the actor.

Anderson said: "Before we start I just want to take a moment to say how excited I am to have a film showing here in Venice, it means a great deal to me and it also means a great deal to Owen, who wants me to express to you how excited he is to have a movie here.

"He wishes he could be here in Venice with all of you now. We all miss having him here with us.

"Obviously he has been through quite a lot this week. I can tell you he has been doing very well, he has been making us laugh. When he's ready he's going to speak for himself much better than any of us could. He has got a very good way with words.

"In the meantime, I would like to ask you to help us to protect his privacy and to respect his wishes."

Wilson's co-stars Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray were in Venice to promote The Darjeeling Limited without him.

The comic tale tells the story of three brothers - Wilson, Schwartzman and Brody - who set off on a train journey across India.

Wilson plays the older brother, Francis, who organises the trip in a bid to lead the trio on a spiritual quest and heal their fractured relationship.

Brody recalled how Wilson was great fun to work with on the film.

"Owen has a tremendous sense of humour and he's very mischievous. I would say it was a brotherly thing, we were constantly trying to get into trouble and trip each other up. It was really a pleasure to work with him. He's also an incredibly talented actor," Brody said.

"It was an incredible experience working with Owen and Jason. I didn't feel like I was working on this film - we worked hard, all of us, but it was a life experience for me. Sharing it with these guys was really special and I will not forget it."

The film has proved one of the hits of the festival and the stars were cheered as they arrived. It is in competition for the Golden Lion award for best picture.

Wilson was taken to hospital on August 26 after reportedly cutting his wrists at his Santa Monica home. He was found by his brother, Andrew.

His lawyer has denied reports that the actor also took a drug overdose.

Wilson was discharged on Saturday and is recuperating at home.

According to reports, the actor was upset over his split from Kate Hudson.

Singer Courtney Love has also claimed British comic Steve Coogan is to blame for leading Wilson astray with his party lifestyle. A furious Coogan hit back by branding her accusations "unhelpful and hurtful" and said he was taking legal advice.

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