Review of Casanova (2005) by Filipeneto — 18 May 2018

This film is very interesting, presenting the life of Casanova, a real historical character famous for his adventurous life and his numerous affairs in the form of a comedy. This is not the first time that the Venetians' libidinal life has served a movie that ranges from comic to romantic: we had the same recipe in "Dangerous Beauty", and these film had a much more beautiful and well-developed central female character. Interestingly, Oliver Platt is present in both films and some elements of the plot of "Casanova" were clearly inspired in this film. In fact, this deja vu sensation is one of the problems of this film, cutting off the interest it might have. The way the plot mixes flirtations and interests of various characters is not new either, being a common feature in this type of comedy.

Francesca, character played by Sienna Miller, is a woman ahead of her time, certainly inspired by the dreamy and cultured Veronica Franco ("Dangerous Beauty" again lending elements to this film). The actress has done a satisfying job, but she never really looks beautiful or seductive. On the contrary, what seems to seduce Casanova is the intellectual challenge she represents and the fact that she is different from the others. This was well thought out but appears in the plot very smoothly, almost imperceptibly, and could have been more noticeable. In turn, Heath Ledger made an excellent Casanova, harmonizing well the adventurous and funny side of his character with his most romantic and idealistic side. Platt made a simple and easy role: the idiot who ends up doing well in life. The fact is that the actor used well the little that they gave him and made a very honorable performance. Jeremy Irons is not far behind. He is an actor of enormous talent and versatility that adapts well to comedy.

The director of the film, Lasse Hallström, exaggerates in some moments and didn't seem to be able to capture the true beauty and majesty of the baroque Venice. However, despite that, it makes a generally positive use of the city's landscape. The period costumes and baroque music were two of the things I most appreciated in the film: skillfully introduced and used, baroque music integrates well into the soundtrack and accompanies the entire film.