Customer Reviews

Dangerous Beauty [VHS]

5 star:		(178)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

Imagine an *intelligent* romantic comedy with a beautiful female lead, set in Venice, with a wafer-crisp and witty script, plus some brilliant doses of worldly wisdom!

Veronica (Catherine McCormack) is the kind of woman every man dreams of: a stunning beauty who's also literate and has a great sense of humor. But you see, it's 16th Century Venice, and Veronica has been pressed into service by her mother to work as a courtesan. If you're out of touch with that era's terminology, a courtesan was a prostitute with wealthy, upper class clients. So she's available to some men for some things, for a price. And she's permitted perks not available to other women, such as access to books.

The love of her life, a man of position and stature, does not quite go in the sweet, sentimental manner she had hoped. After a time, she becomes accustomed to her job and uses it to her advantage and that of Venice, by entertaining the King of France sufficiently to convince him to provide much-needed ships at a time of war.

However, her love for Marco just won't go away, even after he succumbs to family pressures and marries an appropriately positioned woman. That unhappiness is multiplied many times over when the plague strikes Venice, followed closely by the church's Inquisition. That's when we reach the film's climax.

Yes, we'd like to have a deeper understanding of what makes Veronica tick; how she reconciled herself deep down to her un-chosen life situation. And it's sentimental, which might turn some off, but really isn't out of proportion to the story and its other strengths.

The film presents a couple of very beautiful nuggets of wisdom:

(1) There's a consistent moral thread that runs through every society from age to age and generation to generation, the tenets of which are established within parameters, and therefore subject to change; or more specifically, subject to a change in perspective. And that change can come very quickly -- veritably over night in some instances.

(2) That there is also another constant that defines the human condition in any era -- that we will do whatever is necessary to survive. It is simply an undeniable, irrefutable basic instinct of the human animal. Moral tenets and survival, however, taken as properties are something akin to oil and water, and will mix accordingly. Being more often than not polar opposites, conflict is inherent and will ultimately surface at some point or other, the outcome of which is determined by the strength of whichever perspective is prevalent at the moment. And it is at such moments that we discover that life, like politics, can be a sordid, unpleasant affair; or at the other end of the spectrum, the greatest gift of all.

This is a rare film, a smart love story that isn't saddled with an overly-predictable outcome. For that and its other assets such as dialog and captivating visuals of Venice, it comes highly recommended from me.

A sumptuous love story set in Venice, this has remained my favorite film ever. The luxurious costumes, tender music, astonishing true story, and the breathless beauty of Catherine McCormack leave you mesmerized. This film did not do well at the box office, but that's because movie-goers like the big stars rather than the intellectual Oscar-contender. Based on the true story of Veronica Franco, a poetess and courtesan in Venice 1500s, 'Dangerous Beauty' tells of her decision to become a free and educated prostitute over an obediant, repressed wife, and what ensued when she fell in love with a man of title and estates. Marshall Herskowitz (dir.) exhibited his brilliant talent and McCormack artfully, and made it more entertaining than any Merchant-Ivory film. McCormack is definitely one to watch in years to come, and I hope we see her in more costume dramas, because she excells. 'Dangerous Beauty' (bad title) is one of the best, and once you see it for the first time, you'll want to watch it over and over again.

I caught this movie late one night when there was nothing else to watch. I was totally captivated and smitten by Catherine McCormack's portrayal of Veronica Franco a real life Courtesan of the 16th century. It was an exquisite film from beginning to end. Jacqueline Biset was superb as Veronica's mother who taught her daughter the powerful arts of her sex and set her upon a path that would eventually lead her into the arms of Senators, Kings and Priests. The understated Rufus Sewell was excellent as the love of her life who at first abandons her when she has to bed the King of France for the sake of her country, but who finally rallies to her side when a jealous young priest accuses her of witchcraft. There are many memorable moments in this film, one being Veronica trying to dissuade her friend from having her daughter become a Courtesan. It is poignant and heartfelt as two women look at the lives they live and wish they were the other. Add to this the scene where Veronica confesses not to being witch before the Catholic Inquisition but just a woman whose choice of profession has been dictated to her by the narrow constraints of Venetian society. This is a film for those who want to be stimulated both sensually and intellectually. It's a shame that it didn't reach a wider audience when it first came out in 1998. Absolutely stunning is my final thought on this ad-fab film.

Venice. The beautiful and voluptuous gem of the Mediterranean. A city like no other with her bawdy history of Courtesans, gentile society, and decadence.

Dangerous Beauty pits the lavish and indulgent life style of the fair city of Venice against the zealous tyranny of the "church" during the time of the Inquisition. Believing that God's wrath had been stirred by the public sinfulness of a modern-day Sodom, the church seeks to remedy the Plague by rooting out wickedness - including the liscentious life style of the courtesans.

But our heroine, brilliantly played by Catherine McCormack, bravely defends the traditions which allowed her to make a living in a society that shut the door on the aspirations of women. In the social system of the time, women either were born to wealth or married it. Anything less meant a life of servitude in the under-class.

At the root, this film is about power. A woman's power in this day, in this city, lay in her beauty or her birth.

Excellent performances, beautiful sets and scenery, acting talent galore.

The R rating is for nudity and sexual content.

It's not obvious from the cover of this DVD, but this is a Period movie. It takes place in 16th century Venice, and the sets / wardrobe are magnificent. It is also based on a true story. The film is taken from a biography that originated as a doctoral dissertation at Yale university.

The movie centers on a bleak time in human history when women had precious few economical avenues in which to earn a living. Being a harlot was about the only profitable occupation, but it came at a severe price.

One of the central themes of the film is how well educated upper-tier courtesans were. Some viewers of this movie may be inclined to think that the filmmakers made this up. They did no such thing! A legacy that traces back to the ancient Greeks mandated that high-priced prostitutes be articulate, intelligent and able to carry on conversations about sundry topics. Even today, "High Society" Escort services encourage the women who work there to have dynamic personalities and not be "one dimensional."

The engine that makes this movie go is Catherine McCormack. I did not know who she was before seeing this DVD, but this morning I added several of her other movies to my Amazon wish-list. She is stunning, exquisite AND she's a great actress. She has a natural screen presence and has all the subtle nuances down of being a good actress. While the story was very interesting, the movie would have been ruined had they picked an attractive but mediocre actress to play the lead. Oh, and the fact that McCormack is willing to shed her clothes gives her an A+ in my book!

The plot serves as a sobering statement of how the Christians were heckling people 500+ years ago just like they do today. What's worse is that they had the legal authority to condemn people they didn't like. This story is a grim reminder of why the Founding Fathers of the United States were so vehement about separation of Church & State.

If you like Period movies, pick up this DVD. If you're Italian, pick up this DVD. If you're not Italian, pick up this movie. Did I leave anyone out? This is a movie I'd give 10 stars to if I could, and William Shakespeare himself would have been overjoyed to be involved in the making of it.

Let me just start out by saying that this movie has been one of my personal favorites since it tanked in movie theaters several years back. I didn't expect much, due to the fact that historical dramas typically don't do well. 'Dangerous Beauty' is the 'true' story of Veronica Franco, a Venetian courtesan of the 16th century. Now, Veronica Franco was a real person, but I suspect that a few historical facts were glossed over to make this movie a tad more interesting -- I don't mind, gloss away!

As a lover of historical films, I have to say that the thing that impressed me the most about this movie was the setting. The costumes, the sets, hairstyles, etc....everything is beautifully opulent and perfect to the period it is set in. No cheap budget here -- you truly get the feel of the Italian Renaissance.

The story line is most fascinating when Veronica's mother is teaching her about being a courtesan, and slows a bit towards the end of the movie, but ends on a happy note. I found Catherine McCormack (Veronica) and Rufus Sewell (Marco) a bit stiff in their roles in certain scenes, and charming in others, so it's hard to judge, but the movie moves along swimmingly well, the best being the small part that the indomitable Moira Kelly has playing Veronica's ill-fated-in-marriage best friend.

The movie itself receives 4 out of 5 stars from me. The DVD picture quality is good, and the sound quality is good, but as usual with 'less popular' movies, the DVD Extras are simply lacking. You have your pick of 3 theatrical trailers (which don't interest me), a few production notes (while interesting, not a very meaty filler) and subtitles. If you are wanting to buy this DVD for the extras, don't. If you want it simply to own and don't mind the version, I suggest you save yourself a few dollars and go VHS.

This is an excellent and very sexy, movie. Some have labeled it a "blue" film and it does have some nudity in it. However, to view it as pornography is to miss the point of the film.

This is about all that is good and enjoyable in life. Set in the late dark ages, the City of Venice is a place of beauty and pleasures. The Venetians love food, wine, women and song. The story follows a young woman, her heart broken by a love she can not have, as she heads down the path of the courtesan. She learns the life of pleasure and wealth and meanwhile still yearns for the love she was denied.

The ending is a little too fairy tale to be true, but the base story is from historical fiction. Many of the scenes are lifted almost directly from various journals of early courtesans that were used to form the novel this is based upon.

Very sexy, without being tacky. A great movie all around with excellent acting and direction. The visuals are stunning.

In the hands of a less talented cast, this movie might have been relegated to the status of a soft porn timefiller on latenight cable TV. However, Catherine McCormack takes the story of Veronica Franco, a sixteenth century Venetian courtesan and fills it with intelligence and sensuality.

Veronica is a relucant (an exceptionally reluctant) recruit into the profession of courtesan; tutored by her mother (played by the ageless Jacqueline Bisset). Denied a marriage to her true love, a young aristocrat (Rufus Sewell), by the unfortunate combination of flimsy economic and precarious social standing, she is forced into a calling that allows her to exploit her beauty, wit, brains and... uh... physical prowess into a position of power and weatlth. She blossoms from innocent girl to sophisticated woman, sought by men for both her body and companionship; despised by women for her independence and influence. Her standing is eventually threatened by competing forces that hide behind the Church, culminating in a trial before the Inquisition.

As always, the afforementioned Ms. Bisset is endlessly capable of making the male heart race. And the montage of scenes during which she educates the young Vanessa in the ways of a courtesan is unforgettable! I would go so far as to say that this segment will make you forget the famous dinner sequence from the classic "Tom Jones" for its demonstration of lust and sensuality.

Oliver Platt also stands out in this cast for his portrayal of an evil opportunist who slithers into a position of Inquisitor, bent on defeating the woman he could never afford. Other well known names are so immersed in their roles that you might not recognize them, actresses like Naomi Watts, Melina Kankaredes, Moira Kelly and Joanna Cassidy.

There are a number of films that merge history with an examination of the sexual politic, but perhaps none do it as well as this one. It portrays a society that sees itself as genteel and refined, albeit one in which a simple rhyming contest between man and woman can escalate into a bloodletting and exile. Above all, it is quite simply one of the sexiest movies I've ever seen!

Hesitant I am to review this after perusing the many reviews it has already recieved. Many glowing, and several in disdain.

I will agree though with the glowing reviews for the movie is splendid in tugging at the heartstrings and most magnificent with its display of Venice, the city.

If one does research before seeing this movie then I suggest they not bother watching the film and perhaps study a textbook instead. Movies are for enjoying visually and possibly emotionally. They aren't history lessons. I knew only little going into this movie many years ago when I first saw it, I knew it was based on a true story. I didn't care how accurate that story was with the facts, I wanted to see if it could accomplish the feat of entertaining me and not prompting me to walk out of the theatre. Not even close did it come to injecting those latter feelings. I was awestruck. Why?

Beauty. Plain and simple. In the portrayals of the characters by the more then capable actors, to the way that Veronica jousted with the men with her words-something that very few women back in that day were able to do, and quite many never even entertained the thought of doing. To the emotion that flowed effortlessly. For the reason that it tangles you up into a world that you were never a part of and may never be a part of.

So as soon as I could I purchased the DVD, and these are some of my comments below as to why I love it so-

The Actress:
The actress playing Veronica,Catherine McCormick was a delight to watch, not only for her intelligence, but also for the quiet heartbreak that she was displaying. What this film did is portray how one suffers but continues on in silence, trying to show a different face to the rest of the world. Women of early Europe did not have much of a choice when it came to survival, and knowledge was near forbidden. That would make them equal to men and that was punishable for a price. Veronica had a choice, as she was neither poor(though close to it) and she was neither rich...she could marry,if there was someone to marry her as her family no longer had a dowry to provide, so she could marry someone in her class who may not be able to provide for her- or she could become a Courtesan, where at least her intelligence and hunger to learn was allowed to be fed.

The Actor:
I fell in love with Rufus Sewell after watching this movie. He may not be what would be considered a "hunk"(ohh how I hate this word) but he resembles what men back then just may have looked like and how they carried themselves. His character is stoic, quite often burning with rage and love and instead of being able to display the emotions, he goes forth in wonder questioning his position without giving too much away as to why. And when he does get to love Veronica, it's fiercely. He understands why she does what she does, he lets her continue on her path, when most men would have tried to own her. For on this path of hers, he knows they will meet up time to time.

The Controversy???

The movie is a love story, yes. I question those who refer to it as soft porn and are disturbed by the sexuality and the nudity within the film. Surely upon seeing what this film is about they would not be surprised at seeing such. Nudity is nothing to be ashamed of, as neither is what men and women do with another. I see nothing about the movie that would make it soft porn. I see something called "art". I do suggest however, that these same people should avoid French Films at all costs.

I could go on with what it was I loved about the film. There is one part of this film that stands out and grabs attention though, and that is:

The Artistic Design. The Photography. The Lighting. The Costumes. The movie itself, plot and actors aside, was a cinematic wonder. The background set the tone for the rest of the movie, and one would have to have a steel heart not to love and appreciate it.

Oh, and as an aside: I have introduced this film to several men-from my brother, to my father, a friend, and now my husband. Every single one of them love it. This is not a chick flick. It's the romance. Every one of them found it romantic.

This movie touches a special place in my heart. As a history and art history lover, the richness of the story and the beauty of the film keep me watching it over and over.

A true story (see The Honest Courtesean) that takes place in Venice in its most gorgeous era, the film brings the viewer into a world forgotten by many. The art direction and the use of the real palaces in Venice complete the total package.

Catherine McCormack is not only beautiful, but a heartfelt actress as well. You may remember her as William Wallace's wife in Braveheart (brunette there).

On a final note, if you are headed to Venice, catch this movie for a quick introduction of the Golden Age of this city and an inside look at those who used to roam the halls of the gorgeous palaces you will see lining the Grand Cannal.

One of my favorites.