Murtaza Ali
This is a lovely little feel-good film featuring a bunch of memorable performances from Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller (and a particularly brilliant one from Jeremy Irons), among others. The films offers a rather playful take on the life of the notorious womanizer Giacomo Casanova and tells us about his one true love, a strong-headed Venetian lady with feministic views, and the pains that the 18th century libertine takes to possess her, as a ruthless inquisitor, appointed by the pope, tries to execute him on the charges of heresy. A guilty pleasure of sorts with little historical significance, Casanova is nonetheless a must watch for the late Heath Ledger fans!For more on the world of cinema, please visit my film blog "A Potpourri of Vestiges".
chamfrom
One of the most beautifully made 18th century productions I have ever seen set in the most stunning city in the world. Costume was exquisite and so much attention to detail in every corner of the film. A fantastic cast of actors who were all excellent. I was not expecting a historical documentary about Casanova, but what I did get was the most beautifully historically accurate film with regards to location and costume. Sadly however the film was utterly spoilt for me, especially towards the end, with the most dreadful slapstick comedy which really detracted from the quality of this production. This film very nearly got switched off 10 minutes before the end. Such a waste of a fantastic opportunity. So near and yet so far.
SnoopyStyle
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.
solism
The screen is lit up by a more charming than usual Casanova, who runs through his share of self brought on perils, with swift action and charm, the characters in this Romantic Comedy, flow very well, while maintaining the expected dynamics of the legendary romancer. Oliver Platt provides excellent comic relief in his part of Paprizzio with his usual reckless abandon style of acting, but the cast as a whole makes this film utterly enjoyable, the customs and cinematography are quite excellent, and the film editing is sharp.So, sit comfortably and enjoy a clearly more entertaining version of Giacomo Casanova, you'll want to see it again and again!
AD
