Brad Pitt arrives at Cannes with controversial message

Brad Pitt arrived at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday for the screening of his new film "Killing Them Softly," which he produced and stars in.

The film, an adaptation of a George V. Higgins crime novel was screened in competition for the Palme d'Or, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The book entitled "Cogan's Trade" takes place in the 1970s but the film is set in 2008, during the presidential election and the financial crisis.

At one point, Pitt's character pronounces: "America's not a country, it's a business." As a result, some critics have dubbed the film anti-capitalist.

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The Associated Press wrote the film includes speeches from President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush to give it a broader financial commentary though it is a story of violent, back-stabbing criminals.

Pitt said the movie was conceived "at the apex of the mortgage loan debacle" which he called "criminal," the AP reported.

Speaking at a press conference, Pitt said his partner Angelina Jolie was absent because as she is preparing for a role; and they have not yet set a wedding date.