Casanova

Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: December 25, 2005

6.6	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 101 Ratings

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MarkB.Jan 9, 2006

It's ironic that this sporadically lively, frothy period romp about the famous Italian lover is a near-miss for two different but interlocking reasons. Very simply, the title performance absolutely does not work: even giving much It's ironic that this sporadically lively, frothy period romp about the famous Italian lover is a near-miss for two different but interlocking reasons. Very simply, the title performance absolutely does not work: even giving much allowance for the plot requirement that Casanova has to constantly elude various legal, clerical and other establishment figures without being recognized, Heath Ledger's stiff, humorless performance is absolutely not what the role calls for. In fact, from a technical standpoint his work here is not all that far removed from his stunning work as a taciturn, inarticulate cowpoke attempting to deal with forbidden desires he didn't know he was capable of having in the current Brokeback Mountain, but while that breakthrough performance was Brokeback's emotional anchor, in Casanova's instance it weighs this movie down in far less satisfying ways. That's a real shame, bacause much of what's going on above, below and around Ledger is a real treat; director Lasse Hallstrom (My Life As A Dog) has spent the last several years of his life doing so much well-acted but overrated Oscar bait for the Weinstein brothers as The Cider House Rules, Chocolat and The Shipping News that it's really an enjoyable surprise to see him working with a lighter touch than we've seen since ABBA: The Movie! Jeremy Irons, playing an officious, self-righteous priest on Cas's trail is tremendously enjoyable, playing him as a cross between Snidely Whiplash and Jeffrey Jones' hapless high school vice-principal from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Sienna Miller, as our hero's fiery intellectual as well as romantic/erotic match, is so vibrant and joyously sexual that I found myself asking more than once if Jude Law's got a screw loose or what; Lena Olin matches Miller's appeal and adds an irresistable blend of slyness and subtle vulnerability. And then there's Oliver Platt, who for the second time in as many moviegoing months steals the whole picture. In The Ice Harvest he actually made chronic alcoholism rather endearing, and here he makes overeating absolutely lovable; if you've made certain dietary New Year's resolutions, beware...because watching an Oliver Platt movie will probably be more detrimental to your faithfulness than attending a Super Bowl party!… Expand

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EllenS.Jan 6, 2006

This was a silly but entertaining film. Fun characters, good acting, not at all serious but a good way to spend some time at the movies. NIce antidote to the Syrianas, Munichs and Brokebacks, if you're one to spend a lot of time in the dark.

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ReneA.Dec 26, 2005

Not funny and without romantism, this movie is bad.I give 5/10 because of the beautiful baroque music and the natural sets of Venice. That's all.

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FilmisFeb 13, 2013

A disappointing film, the word annoying comes to mind. However there are some humorous moments and the Venetian scenery is impressive, minus the dodgy effects of course. What seems to be promising storyline supported with an established castA disappointing film, the word annoying comes to mind. However there are some humorous moments and the Venetian scenery is impressive, minus the dodgy effects of course. What seems to be promising storyline supported with an established cast turns out to be an easily forgettable tale.… Expand

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FilipeNetoMay 19, 2018

This film is very interesting, presenting the life of Casanova, a real historical character famous for his adventurous life and his numerous affairs in the form of a comedy. This is not the first time that the Venetians' libidinal life hasThis film is very interesting, presenting the life of Casanova, a real historical character famous for his adventurous life and his numerous affairs in the form of a comedy. This is not the first time that the Venetians' libidinal life has served a movie that ranges from comic to romantic: we had the same recipe in "Dangerous Beauty", and these film had a much more beautiful and well-developed central female character. Interestingly, Oliver Platt is present in both films and some elements of the plot of "Casanova" were clearly inspired in this film. In fact, this deja vu sensation is one of the problems of this film, cutting off the interest it might have. The way the plot mixes flirtations and interests of various characters is not new either, being a common feature in this type of comedy.

Francesca, character played by Sienna Miller, is a woman ahead of her time, certainly inspired by the dreamy and cultured Veronica Franco ("Dangerous Beauty" again lending elements to this film). The actress has done a satisfying job, but she never really looks beautiful or seductive. On the contrary, what seems to seduce Casanova is the intellectual challenge she represents and the fact that she is different from the others. This was well thought out but appears in the plot very smoothly, almost imperceptibly, and could have been more noticeable. In turn, Heath Ledger made an excellent Casanova, harmonizing well the adventurous and funny side of his character with his most romantic and idealistic side. Platt made a simple and easy role: the idiot who ends up doing well in life. The fact is that the actor used well the little that they gave him and made a very honorable performance. Jeremy Irons is not far behind. He is an actor of enormous talent and versatility that adapts well to comedy.

The director of the film, Lasse Hallström, exaggerates in some moments and didn't seem to be able to capture the true beauty and majesty of the baroque Venice. However, despite that, it makes a generally positive use of the city's landscape. The period costumes and baroque music were two of the things I most appreciated in the film: skillfully introduced and used, baroque music integrates well into the soundtrack and accompanies the entire film.… Expand

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