VENUS: with O'Toole, Phillips & Redgrave

[Phil Turner]

I watched this film over the weekend, and left the cinema with mixed feelings. Despite the wonderful cast of veteran actors (and the slightly misleading trailer) this was far from being a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

The film's main recommendation was Peter O'Toole's Oscar-nominated leading performance, which was flawless despite his frailty. A consummate actor, with movie-star presence and charisma, he dominated the film. The script was also sharp and witty in places, but there was too much casual bad language for my personal taste. The sight of Leslie Phillips "effing and blinding" like a trooper was a bit of a shock!

The central theme is about an old man trying to experience passion in his life for one last time. Personally, I found the relationship between the old man and the young girl slightly unconvincing. I didn't find the characters endearing and felt slightly uncomfortable watching certain scenes. Also, the grey, gloomy photography rather betrayed the film's modest budget, although it did fit the melancholic tone.

Overall, a film of highs and lows. I didn't have strong feelings either way.

Regards
Phil Turner

[Mr Cosmo]

Snap!
Despite the hype I thought this was no more than average and was more like a TV play. I found my attention wandering when it was on and I am not sure why it is up for awards - although maybe that's down to the fact there isn't much else and of course there is the sympathy vote for older actors.

To me the sign of a really good film is I wake up the next morning and I think about it, but on this one I didn't really feel anything for the characters and within an hour of seeing it I had forgotten all about it.

[Johnny English]

It would be great to see Peter O'Toole with another award on Oscar night.
His fantastic career deserves more recognision from the industry.

I'm not sure though whether Venus is a strong enough film to swing the votes in O'Toole's favour.

[WiseFilms]

I too thought it was a weak movie ...and I didn't care for O'Toole's performance!
So, I guess I feel the same was about him, as I do about Martin Scorsese:
they both did their best work well into the past, and they should not get acting or directing awards merely because "It's Time" and they did movies last year.
That would be very stupid.
Give'em Lifetime Achievement's, or some other special award. To give Martin Scorsese or Peter O'Toole a regular, yearly commendation, would be disingenuous and shoddy.

[Jim]

Originally Posted by WiseFilms I too thought it was a weak movie ...and I didn't care for O'Toole's performance! So, I guess I feel the same was about him, as I do about Martin Scorsese: they both did their best work well into the past, and they should not get acting or directing awards merely because "It's Time" and they did movies last year. That would be very stupid. Give'em Lifetime Achievement's, or some other special award. To give Martin Scorsese or Peter O'Toole a regular, yearly commendation, would be disingenuous and shoddy.

I'll give it a miss then!