Review of Venus (2006) by Stuart K — 07 Feb 2013
A slight movie elevated by the power of the performance of Peter O'Toole. The movie's theme is that a strong heart still beats within the chest of an aging man. This is expressed most eloquently in the relationship between Maurice and Venus.
Maurice desires her not so much for herself, but to remind himself he is still alive. At the start of the film Maurice sits on the side of his bed and slaps himself to remind himself he is there and to stop him from dwelling in self-pity.
Venus serves the same function. He may try to seduce her, but he knows that he is acting. The irony is that she doesn't. Peter O'Toole is superb in this film. A fine handsome man in his prime, he does not hide his years or frailty here, nor does hi shirk from showing the indignities of old age.
He has of course that magnificent voice, but he does something unexpected with it here. He uses that wonderful instrument to spit out obscenities with venom. It is at first a little surprising, but then entirely reasonable.
Maurice is too old to care about convention. What could they do? Kill him? Supporting performances from Leslie Phillips, Vanessa Redgrave (in particular) and Richard Griffiths are all excellent. Jodie Whittaker as Venus is mediocre.
The story flags in the second act, and some scenes rely on sentiment too strongly. However, the film is alive as long as Peter O'Toole is front and centre.
This review of Venus (2006) was written by Stuart K on 07 Feb 2013.
Venus has generally received positive reviews.
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