Venus is reborn in the form of a Little Loliita
Written: Mar 27 '07
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Product Rating:
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| Bang For The Buck |
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Pros: Superb Acting- no one can recite Shakespere like O'Toole
Cons: Nothing
The Bottom Line: I think this film is a definite go see. I loved it.
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| bwyckoff1's Full Review: Venus |
Venus is one of Peter’O Tooles greatest moments on film. If you are a fan of a great story line, attention to detail and great characterizations then you will adore Venus and all its shadings.
The Story
There are 3 basic characters in this tale. Maurice played by the grand master O’Toole is a codger actor who is a hard drinking, smoking and aging man who is nearing the end of his role in life –as an actor and as a role in the bigger play called life. Facing his demise gracefully he goes through many trials and tribulations in a life worth living. His memories are rich with his past roles and poetry falls off his tongue like water droplets off a lemonade glass on a Southern porch.
His comrade is played by Leslie Phillips. He keeps up the tempo and the pace of the dialogue with O’Toole and adds his own touches of comic relief. He is the sidekick and also plays an ailing fellow who needs the assistance of a relative who comes to his aid- in the form of a sexy young teenager.
Jodie Whittaker plays the role of Jessie. A sweet, young but far from innocent kid. Her skirts are high and her morality and ethics are on the low side. She serves as a temptress who uses her sexuality to lure Maurice to justify her role. She offers up pieces of herself like one would barter for an antique on Ebay. Far from innocence she plays O’Toole for all he is worth. He in turn seeks to have the one pleasure in life those he desires- to give pleasure to someone. There relationship is a bit odd, but in the end she pulls through for him.
O’Toole and Whittaker play off each other so well. He has a scene where he recites poetry to her that literally sent chills down my back. I find O’Toole is such a talented actor he has the ability to transform his thoughts to the film without dialogue.
Vanessa Redgrave plays a bit part in this film. She is an aging wife. She loves O’Toole and he at one point loved her as well. Now time has taken that love and tarnished it ..just a bit. There are a few tender moments shared by them, but Redgrave is used in a very minor fashion.
My Opinion
I thought the story was compelling. At no time did the dialogue drag or disconnect. Each scene was played out to its full potential. If you want to see O’Toole at one of his finest acting roles,rush to the theater to see Venus. Leave the kids home. There is a lot of cursing and a bit of nudity. There are plenty of sexual overtures. The music keeps the film moving. Although music often is overlooked in Film, in this case it does keep the viewer moving through certain scenes. A great flick!
Recommended:
Yes
Movie Mood: None of the Above
Viewing Method: Sneak Preview at My Local Theater
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing
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bwyckoff1
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Member: Barb wyckoff
Location: New York
Reviews written: 337
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