"Dangerous Beauty," based on the Margaret Rosenthal book "The Honest Courtesan" -- itself based on the real life "adventures" of Veronica Franco (1546-1591), an actual Venetian courtesan -- is an entertaining, albeit adult-oriented, romantic drama. Despite a few minor problems, the film comes off as an enjoyable look at a determined lady, and should please those who manage to see it (as long as they don't mind the subject matter).
Much of the film's success is attributed to the "Romeo & Juliet" style story. While director Marshall Herskovitz (director/producer of the TV programs "My So-Called Life" and "Thirtysomething") and screenwriter Jeannine Dominy (her first script) haven't produced an exact match in plot, the film does deal with star-crossed lovers who, because of their lineage, can never marry. Of course, like that tried and true romantic drama plot, such obstacles only manage to further fuel the fire of romance and lust between them.
What really makes the movie shine, however, are the performances from those two lead cast members, Catherine McCormack and Rufus Sewell. McCormack, Mel Gibson's ill-fated wife in "Braveheart," delivers a tremendous performance and is completely believable in her role. Often changing in appearance from a near Robin Wright look-alike, to almost looking like the real daughter of costar Jacqueline Bisset, this soon-to-be star easily carries the picture. What's really amazing is not only the range of emotions she plays, but also that we so easily accept her transformation from a carefree "schoolgirl," into a witty socialite and finally into a more hardened and wiser adult woman.
Her costar, Rufus Sewell (1996's "Hamlet" and the recent "Dark City") also delivers a fine and equally believable performance. While he doesn't really have as major a character transformation as his better half, he does create a very sympathetic character who seems above the "playboy" escapades in which he's involved. We believe that he truly loves Veronica, and by winning over the audience's sympathy, he and McCormack make all of us root for their romance, although we're never completely sure they'll be successful.
The rest of the performances are a mixed bag, but for the most part are good. Oliver Platt ("A Time To Kill") is often questionable in this role, but for the most part does an okay enough job so as not to be too objectionable. Fred Ward ("Tremors"), on the other hand, stands out like a sore thumb. While that sounds disadvantageous, it actually sort of works for the character he plays (a reposeful leader) and thus isn't as bad as one initially feels when seeing him in the role.
Then there's the lovely Jacqueline Bisset who's still active in the movies and TV, although she'll probably always be best known for her role in the thriller "The Deep." She still looks great after all of these years, and does a fine job in her performance as Veronica's wise, and still sexy, mother. The remaining cast members all fit their respective parts quite nicely as well, and are believable in their roles.
It doesn't hurt that they're nicely outfitted in well-constructed period costumes (the handiwork of designer Gabriella Pescucci) or that production designer Norman Garwood has perfectly captured 16th century Venice (at least as much as one would imagine how it looked). The long shots of the city of the canals are decent, although at times one can tell they've been faked (the film wasn't actually shot in Venice). It's funny how one can accept dinosaurs, spaceships, or other special effects as "realistic looking," but when any given reality-based effect doesn't quite look right, everyone (including us) is quick to point it out. Even so, that's a very minor objection.
A few larger, but still not major problems show up in certain sections of the plot. Veronica and Maffio have a public duel of both words and swordplay that entertains their elite audience. It also shows the courtesan's quest to be taken seriously and to be free, both of which were quite unheard of in her day and time. Unfortunately, their repartee isn't anything special (to us) and gives those scenes a spinning wheels effect -- we know what's happening, but we're not getting anywhere particularly fast.
Then there's the climatic court case scene where Veronica obviously stands up for what she believes in, even if it means her possible execution. The whole scene borders on something nearing ridiculous melodrama -- what with her benefactors eventually and predictably supporting her cause against the Holy Inquisition court -- yet despite our ability to see through what the film makers are trying to pull off, we're still sucked into the moment. It does manage to be quite effective and one is never quite certain how the events will eventually play out.
Despite the minor problems, the film manages to be quite enjoyable due to the fine lead performances and a basic plot and theme that rarely fail. How can you not root for the lovers who cannot be married due to sanctions imposed by others on their romance? Unless you're the most hardened cynic, you'll find yourself falling under this film's spell, and the captivating, sympathetic characters will easily win over most everyone. If you're a fan of costume dramas, obstacle laden romances, or both, you'll probably love this film. Even if you're not, you still might find yourself enjoying this near epic romance. We give "Dangerous Beauty" a 7 out of 10.
![[Logo]](/images/screenit_logo2.jpg){kind=logo}
