Controversial rapper Eminem has received rave reviews from the Toronto Film Festival for his acting debut in the film 8 Mile.

The film, directed by Curtis Hanson, is still being edited in preparation for its US release in November and was screened at the festival as a work in progress.

Directors Joel Schumacher and Sydney Pollack and actress Sharon Stone were among those at the sell-out screening, which was introduced by Mr Hanson.

However, neither Eminem, who is currently on tour, nor his co-star Kim Basinger were present.

The film is loosely based on events in Eminem's life and was shot in his home town of Detroit.

Audiences cheer

He stars as factory worker Jimmy "Rabbit" Smith, who dreams of becoming a rap star but faces opposition from neighbourhood bullies and his alcoholic mother, played by Basinger.

Audiences reportedly cheered a sequence in which Eminem becomes involved in a rapping showdown with a rival performer, as well as a scene in which he stands up for a gay co-worker.

The rapper has in the past been accused of misogyny and homophobia in his lyrics.

Mr Hanson said after the screening he hoped the film showed "what kids have to go through today, and allows non-fans to leave with a better appreciation for rap".

The film is due for release in the US in November, and will open in the UK in January 2003.

John Cusack stars in Max, which debuts at the festival

Another of the films attracting attention at the festival is Max, about the friendship between wealthy Jewish art dealer Max Rothman and a young Adolf Hitler.

John Cusack stars as Rothman, who is seen in the film trying to persuade Hitler to pursue a career in art instead of politics.

"What I wanted to do was to make a movie about a person who decides to become a monster," said director Menno Meyjes.

US television network CBS has been criticised in the past for plans to make a TV movie about the life of Hitler before 1933.

However, Cusack said the film showed how Hitler "understood the power of art and the power of the avant-garde, but just despised its content".

The film, which opens in the US in December and in the UK in 2003, is among 69 films receiving their world premiere at the festival, which runs until 17 September.