Casanova (2005)

......................................................from Pasto,Colombia...Via: L.A. CA., CALI, COLOMBIA and ORLANDO, FLWhen Disney Studios wants to produce a film that definitely is not for children, it is produced under the name Touchstone. Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is a Touchstone film!...And of course, so is CASANOVA.With Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) in the title role and Jeremy Irons, Lena Olin and Oliver Platt also in the cast, Casanova is a film that has a lot to offer. Visually, both the scenes of Venice and the photography, in general,are exquisite. The costumes also demonstrate great variety and are quite impressive.Several of the story line situations and characters are extremely humorous. The interpretations rendered by Jeremy Irons and Oliver Platt are truly fabulous. True, most of the historical references do not match reality, but, after all, it is a comedy....and most important of all, it's a rousingly entertaining movie! Of course, there are romantic elements in the story development. (With a title like Casanova, could it possibly be any different?) Even the music is spot on to transport viewers back to 1758!8*..…ENJOY/DISFRUTELA! Any comments, questions or observations, in English o en Español, are most [email protected]

Casanova (Heath Ledger) is always looking for love, but there is something more about the brilliant Francesca (Sienna Miller). Her brother who's never met Casanova is engaged to Victoria (Natalie Dormer) who lusts after Casanova. Francesca is betrothed to Paprizzio (Oliver Platt) who thinks Casanova is the feminist writer Guardi, who is really Francessca's nomme de plume. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church sends Pucci (Jeremy Irons) to bring Casanova and Guardi to trial for heresy.It's all very complicated and confusing. It's hard at times to keep all the relationships in line. I love the beautiful locations, but it's the winsome Heath Ledger that shines the brightest. He IS Casanova. He is completely believable having all those women orbiting him. Although I wish Francesca was played by another, somebody more bookish and nerdy. It would make Casanova's love more emotional and intellectual.

This is another example of a device that I do not like. The movie-makers take a famous character, whose name they know will draw crowds - but then they are not faithful to the original story.For instance, these feminist/queer-issues with a woman dressing up as a man on various occasions, taking the place of a swordsman (behind a mask) in a duel, fighting for women's right to higher education etc.. And then to top it all, _this_ woman should be Casanova's one true love... This nonsense has nothing to do with the Casanova story! It simply just not fits in there - it destroys it! Another disappointment was the fact that Heath Ledger is not handsome or charismatic enough for the role of Casanova. Yes, I know that a lot of women have/had a crush on him! But I cannot really understand this, because I think he is just a little more attractive than Mr Average... Casanova should be played by someone like Adrian Paul, when he was in his prime... Also, I think Heath Ledger was too young for the role. If you do not find a very special male specimen to fill the boots of Casanova - you better not try to film it at all! There are many good supporting actors though. Jeremy Iron is the best as the inquisitor from the Catholic church - venerable, handsome and scary..! I also like Swedish Lena Olin very much. Although she is nowadays playing older women like the mother of one of the lovers, she is still so very beautiful and feminine with those lips and cheekbones..! Also, it can be worth seeing the movie for the wonderful costumes, masks, jewelry, furniture, music, dancing, etc., and the scenery from Venice... All historically accurate, as far as I know. The ball in the Doge's palace was magnificent..!

'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.