Venus (2006)

I saw this film last night on TV and was so moved by it, I had to write a review. The story of an old man's last weeks on earth was touching and subtly revealing. Little by little the main character's personalities were revealed and the audience came to discover the secrets in their earlier lives. The performances of O'Toole and Lesley Phillips were stunning, as was that of the young actress, who until this movie was an unknown entity. In addition the script and superb direction made this movie a perfect one for me and certainly a film to remember.

Recap: Maurice, once a great actor, is living out his last days long from the spotlight. His days consists of bit parts in series and chatting away with his friends at their local café, mostly complaining about their old age. Into this comes young Jessie, niece of Maurice's friend Ian. Ian and Jessie don't get along at all, but Maurice is all too eager to get to know her. Over time an odd relationship develop.Comments: A rather odd story actually. At first sight it is about growing old, as the main focus is on Maurice. This is true, but only in part. It is also about two people desperately seeking attention. They are a world apart in their situations, young and old, but oddly enough they can help each other. It isn't easy to tentatively develop such a relationship, a complex mix of friendship, adoration and sexual desire, but this is also what gives the story life. Not always very nice to watch, but one might say interesting.The story is mainly focused about Maurice, so the pace is a little slower, as Maurice against his own will is forced to slow down his life, despite trying to living it large for Jessie. It also give Peter O'Toole the chance to shine with a complex and difficult character. And he does, his nomination for an Oscar was well earned, and without the stiff competition he might have won it. Actually, O'Toole's acting and Maurice's dark humor is far and away the best with this movie. It is really what makes this move worthwhile. And it is well worth the time.Jodie Whittaker, almost giving her screen debut as Jessie is not given an easy task either. But she gives an impressive performance. If Maurice and O'Toole is a waning star, Whittaker seems like a rising one.Not really my kind of movie, a little slow and the genre is not my favorite. However the acting and Maurice's almost charming sarcastic humor made me like it, even if it won't get top rating from me.6/10

I had heard of this film mainly from two things, the lead actor being nominated an Oscar, and it being made by FilmFour, it turned out to be quite a satisfying film, from director Roger Michell (Notting Hill, The Mother). Basically Maurice Russell (Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated Peter O'Toole) and his friend Ian (BAFTA nominated Leslie Phillips, known for his catchphrase "Ding Dong") are two successful but ageing actors, and the best part they could get nowadays is a corpse or some arty-farty costume drama. Ian, fearful of death being around the corner, agrees to let his niece's daughter, Jessie (Jodie Whittaker) move into their flat to look after him, but it turns out Ian, a hard-drinking, rude, and dismissive twerp, can't stand 20-something Jessie. Maurice however is liking Jessie's company very much, he in fact sort of guides her with his kindness, although it is obvious that he likes Jessie - 50 years younger than him - much more than just a friend, which explains why he calls her 'Venus'. When Maurice dies in the end, with Jessie of course, she finds the courage to face her fears, and after refusing before, agrees to go nude to be painted, just like Venus. Also starring Harry Potter's Richard Griffiths as Donald, Vanessa Redgrave as Valerie, Philip Fox as Doctor, Cathryn Bradshaw as Jillian and Bronson Webb as Jessie's boyfriend. O'Toole lost the Oscar to deserved winner Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland, but you can still see this is a very creditable performance, with an also endearing performance from Phillips, and featuring music and songs from Corinne Bailey Rae, including "Like A Star" and "Put Your Records On", this is quite a watchable romantic comedy drama. Good!

Michell tells an unconventional story of an aged actor who's fallen for a very young lady. What makes this story different from other old v/s young love stories is that the relationship is very sexual in nature. Maurice clearly sees Jessie as a very sexual being and he would definitely go far enough if she had allowed it. Yet, Jessie herself isn't completely innocent. She is completely aware of his feelings and takes advantage of it. While this part of their relationship is uncomfortable to watch, there is another side to it. Maurice clearly is infatuated with this girl but he never forces himself on her. On the one hand his despair is understandable as he's a man in the last stage of his life. He's maintained a friendly relationship with his estranged wife but his children won't have anything to do with him. He chats with his friends at a café. The only roles offered to him are those of corpses. While he struggles getting up from bed to live his miserably lonely life, it is the entrance of Jessie that changes that. She's young. She's attractive. She's vibrant (though a little tempered). The young Jessie isn't evil either. She too enjoys Maurice's company. Perhaps her feelings towards him were part sympathy part affection. Though both characters are initially portrayed in an unsympathetic way, they manage to build a bridge that connects to the viewer.Hanif Kureishi is known for telling stories about unconventional relationships and here too he does a good job. It is well paced. Some might find it slow but I think it works for this kind of film. The dialogues are solid, both funny, poetic and get you to say 'hmm!'. Also the comedic situations are well executed like the one where Maurice and Jessie go shopping and Maurice only offers to pay 20. The cinematography and score do a good job of demonstrating the loneliness, dullness and somewhat carelessness of London. Meanwhile Corinne Bailey Rae's soothing voice highlight the gentle songs.Peter O'Toole delivers a marvelous performance. I'm glad to see that actors like him and Vanessa Redgrave do not shy away from playing such roles of elderly people. He is charming, kind, passionate (with Venus), somewhat appalling and sympathetic. Redgrave has two scenes of which she does nothing short of greatness. Confidant newcomer Jodie Whitaker more than just holding her own to veteran O'Toole. She adds a freshness and displays Jessie's growth with great confidence. Leslie Phillips too does a fine job as Maurice's friend. He's particularly funny in the scenes where he expresses his dislike for Jessie.'Venus' is a refreshing, sincere little film sans pretense. It's got wonderful performances, intriguing characters, solid dialogue and an unusual story.