Venus (R)
Scott:
Scott: Tonight I am reviewing Venus
. It’s not often that an actor plays a part where the character in the movie is so close to real life. In Venus, Peter O’Toole plays that part. O’Toole is the aging actor Maurice, his light no longer as bright as it once was, he now settles for bit roles and the occasional dying old man scenes to feed his career. He and old friend Ian (Leslie Phillips) often sit around and talk about what was, or reminisce about fellow actors whom have passed.
One day Ian comes in with wonderful/dreadful news; his niece’s daughter Jessie (Jodie Whittaker) is coming into town to live with him. The relationship is supposed to be one of her helping him with his daily household chores, but ends up with her helping herself to his household goods. This includes a large quantity of alcohol.
The moment Maurice sees Jessie, he is fascinated by her. This relationship is the basis for the movie. She becomes his Venus, and she stokes fires long forgotten in his soul.
I need to state that I have never seen any of the classic works of Peter O’Toole, so my review of him will be without any remembrances of those past performances. He played this part with class, and a calming patience. The movie seemed to build around him; to move where he wanted it to go, and he flowed easily with it.
Whittaker’s performance was not quite as polished, or as easily understood with her thick accent. She still came through well. At times she seemed a cheap hussy; other times a perfect date at a play. Her spoiled demeanor was a perfect counter to O’Toole’s reserved manner.
The movie started off with several funny scenes featuring Maurice, Ian and Donald (Richard Griffiths). The scenes reminded me a little of Grumpy Old Men with the constant complaining and bickering. The first half of the movie was the best. It flowed well and was very entertaining. The second half of the movie focused more on the relationship between Maurice and Jessie, and while interesting, it didn’t hold up it’s half.
The director Roger Michell is probably best known for Notting Hill. There were a few scenes that were cut in such a way as to show the viewer the confusion of the situation, but they really just broke the flow of the movie.
So what do I rate this movie?
Overall, I give the movie a 2.5, and for drama, I also give it a 2.5. The movie was quiet, slow, and just never got me to the place I wanted to go.
I mentioned earlier on that O’Toole’s character and he were very similar. How many more movies will O’Toole make? Those that are fans of his should see this film if for no other reason than it stars him. Just like every movie has an ending, so does every actor’s career. For O’Toole, this would be a good farewell performance.
