Review of Venus (2010) by Matthew B — 05 Aug 2007

An amazing film about the shipwreck of old age - cruelly and comically ironic, grim and uproarious, sweet-tempered and humane. Peter O'Toole's performance is, perhaps, his greatest after T.E. Lawrence; his Maurice is as sly and foxy as his younger dramatic creations (Lawrence, Henry II, Lord Jim, the Earl of Gurney), and his projection of his fascination, both sexual and philosophical with the young "Venus," is passionately, occasionally frighteningly youthful.

Jodie Whittaker is appropriately human and tangible as "Venus." Her beauty is not flawless, and her characterization stresses her many imperfections; Whittaker is talented enough to reveal, through her crass naivete and vivacity, that which so strongly fascinates Maurice.

Leslie Phillips is absolutely inspired as Ian, Maurice's hypochondriac companion; their frequent verbal battles are hilarious, and their waltzing scene by the actors' shrine is extremely moving.

Richard Griffiths and the elegant Dame Vanessa Redgrave also provide magnificently subtle supporting performances. This film is a celebration of the dramatic art - all of the performances are brilliant and truly priceless; director Roger Michell has produced a masterpiece.