Don't ask Sean Penn about "Into the Wild"

You could call Sean Penn a man of few words.

At least when it comes to talking to reporters about his film "Into the Wild."

Penn arrived -- with his wife, Robin Wright Penn -- at last night's L.A. premiere of his new movie looking none too happy to face a red carpet lined with photographers, TV crews and reporters.

He posed for photos briefly -- if looking surly can be called a pose -- then spoke to a CNN reporter. After sounding annoyed by a question, he bolted into the Directors Guild, leaving reporters, E!, TV Guide Channel and other TV crews shouting for him to come back and talk. A studio publicist was helpless and apologetic.

Penn's behavior certainly doesn't bode well for all the necessary glad-handing that's an essential part of a best director or best movie campaign.