What a beautiful movie!

brilliant actors, brilliant editing

A Disappointing Continuation

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

Some actors prove us that they can act. Some actors make us know that they can act. But The Late/Great Peter O'Toole shows us how its really done in 'Venus'. The Honorary Oscar-Winner & 8-Time Oscar-Nominee, O'Toole is an acting masterclass in 'Venus', a wonderful film that proudly rests of his shoulders to do it all. Its a performance that didn't Win the Oscar for Best Actor, and believe me, that's surprising in so many ways.'Venus' Synopsis: Life for a pair of veteran actors gets turned upside down after they meet a brash teenager. 'Venus' could've easily passed as a creepy story of an old-man eyeing a brash teenager. BUT, its actually a mature & affecting film about desires & companionship. Sure, O'Toole's Maurice is an old man & the girl Jessie, played Jodie Whittaker, is decades younger than him. And yet they develop a bond, that is a testament of human desires. 'Venus' doesn't make Maurice look like a dirty old man who'd you call a monster just because he still feels attracted to a much younger women, nor does it make Jessie look like a pervert, who invests most of her time with an older man, with quiet sensuality. This is a story of people forming a bond & how the desires live on, even after you're termed 'old' or 'too young'. And 'Venus' portrays it with class & genuine feeling. This isn't a cheap film, but in fact, a human film about human emotions.Hanif Kureishi's Screenplay is affecting & exceedingly funny at times. The Writing has depth, from start to end. Roger Michell's Direction is excellent. He's handled this complex story, with pure brilliance. Cinematography is perfect. Editing is nicely done. Art & Costume Design add hugely to the narrative.And at the center of 'Venus' is The MIGHTY Peter O'Toole. Watching The Thespian here is a pleasure beyond words. O'Toole delivers a masterpiece of a performance, that ranks amongst the finest I've ever seen. Its a portrayal driven in subtlety & is anchored by heart. O 'Toole makes his character look human, rather than monstrous & that's the genius of his superior portrayal. From start to finish, O'Toole puts up an acting masterclass.And lending O'Toole superb support are Jodie Whittaker, Leslie Phillips, Vanessa Redgrave & The Late/Great Richard Griffiths. On the whole, 'Venus' reminds us the Giant that Peter O'Toole was. Watch it & be rewarded.

It's not much of a stretch to think that Peter O'Toole didn't have much difficulty playing an aging actor. Despite playing a character quite close to his real self he does imbue a lot of emotion into the role. I found his relationship with Jodie Whittaker (Jesse) to be interesting mixed with sadness. You almost get a sense that he's ashamed about having feelings for her but pursues her despite himself. Her initial feelings border on pity but he soon charms her into something more meaningful.Overall it's a quiet movie that is boosted by strong performances throughout. It is an age that isn't shown often in movies and quite frankly probably makes many uncomfortable. But as I get older I can see that it's a reality that doesn't have to carry so much stigma and sadness. It's worth a viewing and might make you view old age in a different light.

a film of memories. because the past is the basic ingredient not only for film but for its public. Peter O 'Toole in a role who could be perceived as syntheses of his career. because, in a film about old actors, meeting with a young woman, discover of new dimensions of life, dialogues, he is the same - vulnerable, powerful, seductive, ironic, bitter, honest. and this does his Maurice a form of legacy. because all was said. all is known. but something, something real important, must be remembered. this is Venus. a trip in the heart of memories. a form of confession about small things who are pillars of the joy of each age. portrait of a special friendship. as impact of visions. as redefinition of simple realities. as a form of lesson.and the great Peter O 'Toole.

I waited to see this film for along time. Tricky subject -- older actor falling for young girl. It could be quite ugly.We have Peter O'Toole as Maurice the greatly celebrated actor-- we have Leslie Phillips playing Ian one of his contemporaries and Jodie Whitaker as young relation of Ian's. Peter 'lifeforce' O'Toole gives once again one of those performances that cuts through the potential trickiness with great power. Jodie Whitaker realises he is famous and uses him for what she can get - then slowly and gradually begins to warm to and appreciate him. This is hugely touching film with strong performances from great British actors and Jodie Whitaker isn't phased by any of it-- she is very impressive. There is also a lovely musical score with beautiful songs by Corinne Bailey Rae which definitely soften the subject. Clever direction too from Roger Michell.