One of the most eagerly-awaited films of the year received its UK premi�re in London on Wednesday evening.

Tom Hanks, director Sam Mendes and his partner Kate Winslet were among those attending the screening of Road To Perdition, Mendes' first film since the Oscar-winning American Beauty.

Director Sam Mendes was supported by partner Kate Winslet

Hanks, who stars as a gangster, received a loud welcome from the crowd of more than 2,000 people outside the Empire cinema in London's Leicester Square.

The American actor said: "It is intimidating, I must say.

"You step out of the car and it is a wall of sound from all those people. You don't ever get used to it."

In praising Mendes' talents as a director, he said: "His language of film is extraordinary."

Darker role

Winslet wore a black evening gown from Dolce & Gabanna and Mendes dressed in a black suit and white shirt.

Mendes said he would love to work with the actress but added "nothing is planned at the moment".

Other premiere guests included actor Michael Gambon, television presenter Ruby Wax and Big Brother's Alex Sibley.

Jude Law is a surprising choice as hitman Harlen

The film has divided critics elsewhere - attracting both extravagant praise and strong criticism.

Hanks plays against type by portraying a bad guy for the first time in his career.

Two-time Oscar-winning Hanks has said he was not worried what movie-goers might think of his darker role - at odds with his received image as America's beloved cinematic everyman.

He plays Michael Sullivan, the loyal enforcer for a mob boss and surrogate father-figure who is portrayed by 73-year-old screen veteran Paul Newman.

Ruby Wax was among the guests

But the film focuses on the relationship between Hanks's character and one of his young sons whose eyes are opened to a disturbing reality when he first witnesses his father killing another man.

For most of the film Sullivan is on the road with his young son trying to avoid a menacing hit man, played by Jude Law, who doubles as a crime photographer.

But Road to Perdition is also a tale of redemption, with Hanks's character doing everything he can to make sure his son does not follow him into a life of violence.

Sam Mendes, 37, is seen as one of the UK's top directors - though so far his major work has been done in the US.

Among his awards are an Oscar and the David Lean Bafta award for direction, for 2000's American Beauty.