Casanova

I haven't had this good a time at the movies since…since--oh, heck, I can't remember when I've had this good of a time at the movies! This film opens with a touching surprise, ends with a glorious twist and is filled in between with intrigue, passion and some of the most beautiful scenery ever put to screen. Oh, and did I mention humor -- ranging from witty inside jokes to bawdy physical comedy.

The screenplay walks a thin line between complexity and confusion, but director Lasse Hallstrom never loses sight of the difference and is able to wring subtleties out of what could have been an overly broad farce.

The story focuses on one aspect of Lord Jacomo Casanova's lavish life, his reputation as a great seducer of women. Lots of women. Caught one too many times in the act with the wrong woman, Casanova is told he must either leave Venice, which he is loathe to do, or marry a woman of good character. He is soon betrothed to one of the few remaining virgins in Venice, but just as quickly falls for Francesca Bruni, an auburn-haired feminist who wouldn't give Casanova the time of day. So, to win her affections, he proceeds to become several other people, using false names to reveal his true feelings.

Heath Ledger has no trouble living in Casanova's skin, although for the first 20 minutes it was hard to see Casanova and not Heath Ledger in a rather large wig. However, I blame that on my having seen too many "behind-the-scenes" specials, and not on Ledger's performance. By the time he meets Francesca, played by Sienna Miller, I had settled into the story and never gave the wig another thought. Although there was not as obvious a chemistry between Ledger and Miller as he has had with other female co-stars, most notably Julia Stiles (10 Things I Hate About You) and Kate Hudson (The Four Feathers), I was quite convinced of their undying love for one another by film's end.

The supporting cast is marvelous, especially Omid Djalili who plays Lupo, Casanova's manservant, and Oliver Platt, who plays Genoan lard merchant, Lord Papprizzio, Francesca's fiancé. Lena Olin, as Francesca's mother, and Jeremy Irons, as Bishop Pucci, the Inquisitor, give fine performances as well, rising above their less-than-three-dimensional characters. Irons and Platt have an especially hilarious scene in, of all places, an Inquisition torture chamber, which is only outdone by Platt's bravery in revealing his true size while lying half-naked covered in lard, mint jelly and coffee grounds.

I had a blast at this movie and I can't wait to see it again.

I just saw Casanova. I read most of the comments here before I went to see it and honestly I was on my way to give up on it. I had fun. I laughed and enjoyed it. One thing though: this is a comedy. If you are in search or a historical, accurate description of the famous Casanova then you are on the wrong path. Some people here said Jeremy Irons was... over-acting? Come on.. give him the merit he deserves as a great actor that he is. He was enjoying his role. I could almost see him laughing on the set after the director shouts out Cut! The only dramatic moment towards the end of the movie seemed to be there just to reinforce the comedy picture after it. Sienna Miller seemed a bit uneasy to me at the beginning with the speech in the University.. I loved the costumes and the settings. It definitely makes you think of buying a ticket to Venice. (Again!) Sensual? 10% Love story? 40% Comedy? The rest. So I say, if you are in the mood for something light, give it a chance and laugh :) And let us agree to disagree, shall we?

'Casanova' is a funny Venecian comedy that has a good doze of romance, humour, drama and colour. Yes, the sets and costumes are pleasantly colourful. The art direction deserves credit. Even though the sets look theatrical, it fits with the presentation. The whimsical score adds energy. The editing is mostly good but the film does drag a little in the middle. In terms of story, there isn't anything new (which is the usual case with romantic comedies) and I would have liked to see the love blossom between Casanova and Francesca after they find out each other's identity and also how Casanova resists his 'urge' to be with other women in order to be faithful to Francesca. The dialogues are witty and amusing. Heath Ledger fits the part and effectively pulls off the title role. Sienna Miller is unrecognizable but still pretty. She may arguably be a little too young for the part but is still vivacious and her youth adds to the stubbornness of the character. Lena Olin has a graceful presence. Oliver Platt is hilarious. The romantic track between Paprizzio and Andrea is among the most endearing and funniest moments. Omid Djalili is great as the sidekick. Jeremy Irons is good too. 'Casanova' isn't pathbreaking cinema but it would make for a good date movie or a Sunday night/rainy day film. It's colorfully vibrant. It's funny. It's nice to look at.

I read here that in the USA this film got an R rating, not PG-13, as ¨director Hallström wanted, only because of something that is suggested is happening under a table. In the Netherlands, where it had it's premiere yesterday, the rating is for over 5 year olds, so that says enough for whom this movie really is. I was at first a little disappointed to find out that this is not a historical movie, but a slapstick comedy, but I loved the settings (Venice and Vicenza,where they made a scene in the famous Teatro Olimpico, which is supposed to be a Venice University in the movie) and the music which is mostly baroque (Vivaldi, Albinoni, Händel, Rameau, Paisiello and a few more) and as a baroque music lover I thoroughly enjoyed the movie just only for the music alone. This must be one of the first-ever costume farce movies, but if you forget all the movies like Shakespeare in love or Pride and Prejudice and take this movie for it's own merits, it is a thoroughly rewarding experience. There was a lot of laughing by the audience and I found myself laughing more than in any movie I remember. It is thoroughly entertaining from first to last minute, but devout Catholics will find it insulting, as it makes fun of the Catholic Church, but it should be quite evident to everyone, also devout catholics, that the story is not to be taken too seriously, so why being bothered by it? The movie can actually be considered as a modern version of an opera buffa. Obviously there is a romantic plot and by all the farce and hilariousness I would say that the romantic element gets snowed under, but, as said, you have to accept this movie for what it is and concentrate on the lavish settings, costumes, music, the fun, and you will want to see it many more times, like me.

Who cares if the plot adheres to the facts, this is a lighthearted movie not intended to be take seriously! It is a romp around the most beautiful city in the world. The wonderful music carefully selected and very well performed is just a joy, and the actors all camp it up with a wealth of nuance, subtlety and verve. It conveys all the joy of life of this city and this period when noblemen and lesser mortals dressed up and paraded the canal-sides and passages and bridges, masked to preserve identity and equality.

Almost a Moulin Rouge backdrop at times with almost circus-like pranks. Not intended to be taken seriously-get it? A romp, a party, an opera, and wonderful fun.