Dangerous Beauty
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Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: R
Release Date: 6-NOV-2001
Media Type: DVD
Although it was unfortunately ignored during its brief theatrical release, this sumptuously seductive production is that rarest of cinematic breeds, the (barely) respectable guilty pleasure. Combining historical fact with hysterical anachronisms of language and mannerism, it's been tailored for maximum contemporary appeal but maintains a lush, romantic feel for its factual 16th-century tale of Venetian love, lust, and political repression. Catherine McCormack (Mel Gibson's ill-fated bride in Braveheart) delivers a star-making performance as the "dangerous beauty" who becomes a skillful courtesan to pursue her forbidden love for a dashing Venetian senator (Rufus Sewell). It's all rather silly in a high-toned fashion, and the film turns dour when the church intervenes with a Scarlet Letter-like papal inquest. But the movie's joyously ribald vitality is utterly irresistible, and the casting of McCormack with Jaqueline Bisset (as her mother and courtesan mentor) is a stroke of pure genius. Merchant-Ivory would've made a smarter film from this material, but it probably wouldn't be nearly as entertaining. --Jeff Shannon
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Dangerous Beauty Reviews
I rented this movie from Netflix from their recommendation for me because of movies containing Rufus Sewell and Oliver Platt. It was in my queue for months. So after finishing the movie and drying my eyes, I went straight over to Amazon to order the DVD. This is one of the best period movies ever. I realize this is Hollywood's version of this true story, but it was so well done I've recommended it to all my friends. Everything about this movie works for me. The acting, costumes, cinematography, location and the story are all rich. Each character goes through major changes, some good some bad. You wouldn't think a movie about a 'courtesan' could be funny, but there are some humerous parts blended in very well.
I have the book about Veronica Franco on my Wish List, and will be buying it at some point.
Veronica Franco was an 'honest courtesan' - a cultivated, erudite woman who also sold herself for sex to an aristocratic clientele.
Margaret Rosenthal's book "The Honest Courtesan: Veronica Franco, Citizen and Writer in Sixteenth-Century Venice," accurately describes the life of this unusual woman.
"Dangerous Beauty" is a slightly more romantic take on this poetess and intellectual of the Venetian demi-monde. Despite the soft-focus approach to high-class escorts, this film nevertheless captures the complicated manoeuvers - political, religious and sexual - that epitomized High Renaissance Venice. (Franco's surreal encounter with French King Henry III and her subsequent trial really happened.)
The production values are a delight in this film, with accurate costumes and lush settings. The ironic use of gondola scenes neatly frames the warring apsects of this repressed society, with parades of courtesans alternating with wedding processions.
Catherine McCormack is a spirited Veronica Franco, with Rufus Sewell as her devoted lover. Jacqueline Bisset as the Franco mother and 'teacher' is a revelation - desperate, cynical and wise in turn.
This film deserves the cult status it has achieved. I highly recommend it to a wider audience.
A Rich and voluptuous love story set in Venice. Costumes, cinematography and score all sublime. Have only watched it 10 times so far.
DVD received in offered condition in timely manner. Will definitely purchase from this supplier again. Recommend it.
This is a witty and sparkling tale of a young lady forced by circumstances to become a courtesan in Renaissance Venice. Not only does her choice give her the freedom to pursue her love of learning and reading and writing poetry, frowned upon for proper Venetian brides, but to also to eventually win her true love. I enjoyed the irony of how one woman managed to achieve happiness and liberty by rejecting a "respectable" lifestyle. Hooray for Veronica! The costumes and scenery are gorgeous, and the "poetry duel" just as much fun as the sword play.
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