Did Carla wear THAT dress for Woody Allen?

Who was Carla Bruni out to impress when she arrived for Wednesday's state dinner in Paris wearing a figure-hugging Roland Mouret dress that has had the gossip mags in a tizzy ever since? Her husband's guest, Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian President? Or was she just making sure Woody Allen hasn't forgotten his promise to put her in his new film?

The question arises because, in the same week that she stood on the steps of the Elysee Palace, clearly braless and apparently panty-less too, it has been reported that the beautiful French actress Marion Cotillard is about to sign up for Allen's new film - the one Bruni's supposed to be in.

Cotillard has become one of France's most popular and talked-about actresses since she broke through as Edith Piaf in the 2007 film La Mome - or La Vie en Rose as it was titled outside France - and gave one of the few good performances in the critically battered musical, Nine.

Allen, whose career is considered to be right back on track with the success of Vicky Cristina Barcelona, has given very little away about the new film. It is thought to be a romantic comedy which will be shot in France this summer and it is understood the leading man will be the American Owen Wilson, star of Zoolander and Wedding Crashers.

Carla Bruni first told the French public about her offer of a film role from Woody Allen during a TV interview last November. She probably shouldn't worry about Cotillard: if anyone can write a script that has room for more than one beauty, it's Allen. Vicky Cristina Barcelona starred Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz, who went on to win an Oscar for her performance. ·