Super (casa) nova? (Casanova (DVD))

Member Name: samueltyler

Product:	Casanova (DVD)
Date:	26/04/07 (83 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun, light weight, looks good

Disadvantages: Too simple, bit fruity for its family audience

Bastardisation! There is nothing more than the men in grey suits in Hollywoodland like to do than bastardise history. Imagine a group of closed door policy, gun loving Americans getting their hands on your beautiful history. They’re not intent on swapping and ruining their own past (as they have so little) so they have to make do with ours. Who can forget massive historical inaccuracies that were ‘Braveheart’, ‘U-571’ or even ‘Saving Private Ryan’? Each of these films managed to somehow change the events of the past ‘Sound of Thunder’ style (please see ‘obscure sci-fi films from 2006’ reference book for details). What annoys me the most is that to the majority of people these films are the closest thing they will get to knowledge, so they assume everything is right. This may anger me, but am I bothered if a fun film comes out like ‘Casanova’?

Heath Ledger plays a young ye olde Venetian man called Casanova who is notorious for his womanising. He has managed to make an enemy of the Catholic Church and to prevent his execution he is forced to marry. Unfortunately, Casanova is not the marrying type that is until he meets his match in Francesca Bruni (Sienna Miller). Francesca is a woman who speaks her mind, often pretending to be a man to gain entry into the traditional bastions of male kind. With her feminist views and his animal charm could these two possibly be attracted to one another? Throw in a vengeful Cardinal out for Casanova and a fiancée for Francesca and you have a mess on your hands.

‘Casanova’ is at its heart a comedy of errors similar to ‘Clockwise’ or ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ and for this I liked it. It has been a while since I have watched a harmlessly fun comedy like this. The script has taken the legend that is ‘Casanova’ and managed to create a very enjoyable caper that, apart from the too many light references to sex, is fun for the whole family. Everyone has a set opinion of Casanova so the writers are able to play with this in the film – maybe he is looking for love rather than lust? I found that the script was very punchy and surprisingly well written and this was enhanced by a good supporting cast.

The stand outs in the film as Oliver Platt as the obese Paprizzio, the man who Francesca is to be married and Omid Djalili as Casanova’s man servant. Both Platt and Djalili show that any good comedy film is enhanced when comedians are hired. They have just the right level of farce and drama to make the silly script work. This success does not quite run through to the leads as they are capable, but not excellent. As a rule I enjoy Ledger’s easy going charm, but I found it a bit too contemporary for this film. Sienna Miller is also ok, but once again does not shine. I find it difficult to understand why she still gets so much press attention when her acting ability is not particularly great.

The areas in which this film probably shines the most are in the costume and make up departments. Hallström is able to fully realise Venice in all its vibrant colours and textures. Although the film does not have a great number of sets, those that appear are sumptuous and do not show any lack of budget. If nothing else this film is a visual feast that will remind people of films such as ‘The Three Musketeers’.

I think that Hallström manages to handle the film very well without ever making it a must see. I do not believe that there is any historical accuracy in the film, but due to the airy nature this does not prove an issue. I think that the film manages to remain fun and does not turn into a disaster due to Hallström’s skill as a director. He is better known as a serious director of films such as ‘The Cider House Rules’. He is able to use these good directing techniques to make the film feel better than just another comedy. Too many comedy films seem to be directed by absolute no marks today and this leads to a reduction in their quality.

The entire concept of ‘Casanova’ is so lightweight and throwaway that it passes the time, but will be unlikely to change the world. The script is fun, the acting adequate and the sets beautiful. All these add up to a film that is enjoyable but nothing more than average. I would recommend it as a TV watch sometime in the future as it is the kind of film you see in the listings and decide to watch only to be pleasantly surprised with its quality.


Director: Lasse Hallström
Year: 2005
Cert: 15
Starring: Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller
Price: Amazon uk £5.97
Play.com £6.99
CD Wow £11.99

Extras

There are quite a few decent extras on the disc including a Director’s Commentary and numerous featurette. Due to the lavish style of the film the featurettes on costume and sets actually proved quite interesting.

Summary: A solid comedy of errors