Review of Dangerous Beauty (1998) by Frances H — 13 Sep 2017

On my all-time favorites List, an adaptation of a true-story of Venice at the beginning of the catholic Inquisition. Some of the slo-mo & transitions are not perfect, but there's so much else that's top-shelf Herskovitz ("Legends of the Fall") that those are easily overlooked - a terrific story where one really engages & cares about the Leads.

There's a fine accompanying soundtrack where the gifted Rachel Portman is called-upon for "Additional Music" and some mesmerizing screen performances & background casting. Love & heartbreak & love & miscues & love & deeper love in spite of everything - it's seldom better or in such quantity on the screen.

A favorite activity is identifying some of the best scenes in all of cinema, such as appears in "A Very Long Engagement." In this production there is no better shot of the "look-of-love" in all of cinema than Catherine McCormack's in the 2nd love scene (at about 1:06) after she furloughs herself temporarily as a courtesan.

Jackie Bissett is still an eye magnet even in her later middle-age. There's so much to like ... owned & watched several times - always terrific and affecting when the mood strikes. | PS: Anyone noticed the similar appearance of McCormack & Alexa Davalos? They could play sisters with a good script.

Anybody got one ready to go ...? | - Norm de Guerre.