Ted & Venus

TD says that it was "painful" to watch `Ted and Venus'. That's just what Bud Cort meant to do with this film, as I see it. I own the film and have viewed it many times, and what I like about it is that Bud was very brave to bring what is basically a sad and creepy story, based on a true sad and creepy story of a poet who became manically obsessed with a social worker. It's not a pretty story about `perfect' people; it's not supposed to be. Each character in this film has flaws, though not as serious as Ted Whitley's. That, to me, is more real than a lot of films that I have seen come out of Hollywood recently-be they independent, or mainstream-made. I hope that he gets the chance to direct again.

I liked that Bud took the true story this film was based on and went one step further, and instead of the `happy' ending of the girl moving away and changing her name, and the poet's getting some much needed therapy and moving on with his life, you get a possible, if not probable, extreme ending: something that could happen if such a man as Ted crossed the line with such an obsession as his. It's basically a tale of sexual harassment, and what can happen to someone who refuses to take someone's `no' for an answer.

What I also like about it, as well, is that it's one of the few films that I have seen, which, even for it's subject matter, shows that there can be humor in such a situation. The `courtship' scenes with Kim Adams are quite funny, as are Bud's scenes with James Brolin, Carol Kane and Martin Mull, all giving fine performances.

Bud once had a friend that went through a similar experience, and after much coaxing to see it, told him, upon finally seeing the film, that there were moments she recalled which were very surreal, even comic at times! She told him that the film was a very cathartic experience for her. As in real life, there are moments that happen to us all which are comic, even though we may more often see them that way in hindsight, rather than while we are actually experiencing it.

Even though there are comic moments, the mistake that most people make about "Ted and Venus" is that just because it's a Bud Cort film, it's not supposed have any drama in it.

I say, `Bravo, Bud'!!

Bud Cort's earlier movies often addressed serious issues (car theft, suicidal ideation, murder, etc.) in humorous ways. I was hoping to find similar dark comedy in this one, but frankly it's harder to find; mostly it just seems dark and stupid. Ted's obsession is entirely unreciprocated, his target wholly undeserving of his harassment, and no one in the end learns any lessons or receives (or deserves) any redemption. His lawyer's bafflement in the courtroom and a few other scenes are mildly amusing, but do little to liven the overwhelmingly unjustified threat Ted poses.

I cannot understand why this film did not receive higher acclaim than what I have seen on IMDB. This movie was a masterpiece within its own genre. This movie shows us, those who are stuck in the 90's desperately wishing we could transport to another era, how one man can be both highly understood yet highly unstable. The conclusion of this film brought us to the understanding that no matter how "dangerous" Ted may have seemed, he was only a victim of his own comprehension. This movie was truly a masterpiece in that in delved into the mind of someone most Movie Goers could never understand. The entire intention was to show how limited most humans can be, and at the end of the film, even the "tortured" Linda realizes the true intent of the wayward and mentally unstable Ted.

Love and acceptance means everything.. even enough to risk one's fate and freedom.

What I love about is film, is that the amazing actor Bud Cort created it all by himself. He directed and wrote it, starred in it and I wish he would've done more projects as a Director. This may not be a movie for everyone's taste, but I think it is indeed, an artwork! I really enjoyed how the Venice Beach scene is captured and also the 70s decade. And I actually love the whole focus on poetry in this film. I think the character "Ted", that Bud created is a very interesting one. I think it's a a very desperate and tragic character. Although, the movie has quite a few funny elements. And also the lovely Carole Kane is in there. I think it's visually also a very aesthetic movie. And the soundtrack is amazing.✨

Make no mistake, "Ted & Venus" is not an easy watch. It is however daring in a way most films fail. Obviously willing to take chances with questionable themes like stalking, obsession, and madness, the movie treads ground that many audiences will not appreciate. If however, you are entertained by the likes of "Where's Poppa?", "Eating Raoul", and of course "Harold and Maude", then you will revel in some of the the dark comedy here. There is a courtroom scene that is especially funny, and there are sporadic situations and dialog that are excellent. It's just that the whole movie feels uneven and this choppiness may be due to a difficult edit? Bud Cort should have realized that beauty is only a light switch away. - MERK