Clooney talks about 'The Monuments Men' based on true events from WWII

George Clooney, who despite looking like a civilian manages to exude preternatural charisma and self-assurance, has opened about his latest film 'The Monuments Men.'

Clooney joined his longtime producing partner, Grant Heslov, to talk about their film, which is about the US Army's Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives unit that, in the waning days of World War II, sought to rescue millions of pieces of art looted by the Nazis, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Clooney, who will also star in the film, which marks his fifth directorial effort, is heading up a cast that includes Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Bob Balaban, Jean Dujardin and Cate Blanchett.

The new film marks a rare foray into optimistic, family-friendly filmmaking for Clooney and Heslov, both of whom are believed to be attracted to tough-minded, sceptical, even cynical movies.