Venus

Venus by director Roger Michell is a little gem of a film, smart, funny and sweet. With actor Peter O'Toole as the main character, Venus is filled with brilliant performances both by the somewhat older actors and the very young. Falling for one of his best friends his niece, Jessie, O'Toole's character, Maurice, rediscovers his inner youth, being once again fascinated by the beauty of the young women who grace the earth. Filmed with great lighting, besides the heartfelt and daring story, Venus also delivers some breathtaking shots, being fresh and inventive in the images it presents. It's Peter O'Toole's performance, however that lingers the most. He lives his part making him perfect for the role. As a viewer you watch his enjoyment, playing such a wonderfully written character for an actor of his age. It's an opportunity to once again shine and O'Toole firmly takes on the challenge. His eyes let you look directly into his soul and his voice makes every piece of dialogue come out with so much power and confidence, no other actor could have. Apart from O'Toole who is perfect, newcomer Jodie Whittaker gives an impressive and very convincing performance as well. She breathes life into Jessie making her far more interesting than any other normal teenager. In the scenes with O'Toole she firmly stands her own, not at all intimidated by O'Toole's presence. At times it is she who takes over and easily wins a way into your heart apart from the events which later on happen. Both characters are wonderfully written as is the whole script, which is very vivid and full of energy and funny jokes and conversations. Maurice together with his two friends, played by actors Richard Griffiths and Leslie Phillips, are wonderful and extraordinary funny, looking sometimes as a group of teenagers who forgot about their real age, swearing one curse word after the other. Especially Phillips as Jessie's uncle is great, complaining about the young girl who's behaviour he can't stand and for which he's already too old. Venus is a very wonderful film full of emotion and gives a very good look of the elderly, who are far younger than most people might expect.

What is it about?

Maurice, an old man who once was a well known actor, ends up falling for a young girl by the name of Jessie, and whom he later on comes to call Venus. The niece of one of his best friends, Jessie is like most teenagers, not at all interested in theatre, but all about partying until midnight and having a good drink. The two are quite the opposite, but Maurice, fascinated by this young girl's arrival, doesn't let anything get in his way to get her attention. Soon he wins her over with his charms and the two become very close. Both still very aware of their age+ tre's a kindness to their bond, making it not at all perverse, but gentle and honest. Letting the old man touch her legs and kiss her neck, to reexperience his youth, Jessie merely does him a favour, knowing they don't have a real sexual relationship. Not in love, but definitely loving each other very much, their friendship is tested when Jessie starts dating a guy of her own age. Being somewhat jealous, Maurice has to finally come to terms with his real age and remember life for him is soon coming to an end.

Final Verdict: ****1/2

Much greater than I expected it to be, Venus is a great film from the extremely funny beginning until the very sad end. Be warned to be brought to tears, mostly the cause of O'Toole and the brilliant writing which for once makes the elderly look more human and realistic then they usually come to appear. At times Maurice and his friends are like little boys, enjoying life to the fullest for as long as it will last. A pleasant treat is actress Vanessa Redgrave in the role of Valerie, giving a charming and subtle performance and together with O'Toole lighting up the screen. Seeing the two together makes for very endearing moments. It's their little scene in which O'Toole speaks the magic words: 'We won't live forever', that will likely impress the most. Overall Venus feels like this warm little film of which you want nothing to change. It is perfect the way it is and full of genuine and sincere emotion. The ending is very fulfilling and the last shot makes it all come together. Venus is one of those films that will surprise you of how good it is. It surely has won me over completely, with all its charms.