AceShowbiz -

As "The Canyons" director Paul Schrader, James Deen, Tenille Houston and writer Bret Easton Ellis posed for shutterbugs at the Venice Film Festival on Friday, August 30, Lindsay Lohan was noticeably missing. While no explanation for the actress's absence could be offered, Schrader had his say about working with his star.

"For the last 16 months I've been held hostage, by my own choosing, to a very talented but unpredictable actress," the filmmaker said to the media of Lohan, who was expected to promote her new erotic movie there. Labeling himself "a free man" now that the film is complete, he continued, "She was supposed to be here today. She said she would be, but she is not."

However, a source close to Lohan, who just finished her court-ordered rehab stay last month, told a different story. The insider said to E! News that the 27-year-old beauty "was never fully confirmed, though she did plan on and wanted to come."

Despite the no-show, Lohan still showed her support to the "Canyons" team on her website. She posted a photo of them at the Venice event, while in another post, she offered apology, "I wish I could be there to celebrate with you in Venice. Paul Schrader, @braxtonpope, @JamesDeen could not have done it without you."

In the film, Lohan stars as the actress girlfriend and bored plaything of Deen's character. Her performance was met with positive review from Variety film critic Scott Foundas. "Wow...humbled and feeling so much gratitude," she tweeted.