Review of Dangerous Beauty (1998) by Neil S — 13 Apr 2009

Another movie with Edward Zwick attached to it that I enjoyed, Dangerous Beauty is the story of Veronica Franco (played by Catherine McCormack) who becomes a Courtesan to still be able to sleep with the nobleman she loves (played by Rufus Sewell) - two people unable to marry because of the social structure of Venice. Both leads are deftly played with a mixture of strength and vulnerability, but McCormack is the star of the show delivering witty barbs with a disarming charm, and carrying the subtext beautifully in other lines.

It's a film that manages to tell a story of an interesting period in Venetian history, whilst also showing political manoeuvring and a love story which is both sexy and romantic.