Casanova

...why this movie wasn't (a) marketed right in the first place, (b) isn't being re-released right now!?

Trust me, as someone who works in this industry, I'm darn picky about what I like...but I liked this, despite wincing over the many historical inaccuracies and liberties taken with authentic language of the time - 'Casanova' is such a fun, feel-good romp, it charmed me into turning a blind eye and deaf ear and chalking all that up to necessary 'poetic licence'! The cast is fabulous, the late Heath Ledger is at his charismatic best...and BECAUSE he's no longer with us makes re-releasing it 'right' this time around a 'no-brainer', so far as I can see (for example; why it made it's Stateside debut on Christmas day baffles me completely - unless it was intended for Academy Award inclusion?). Clearly, this was/should have been a Summer dating flick...for both the typical dating demographic (= late teens/early twenties) AS WELL AS 'baby-boomers', who will appreciate the fine acting performances from the likes of Jeremy Irons, Oliver Platt and Lena Olin, as well as enjoy the witty banter. It needs to be promoted as the 'period romp'/romantic comedy it IS, without being depicted as simply stupid (e.g. without excessive trailer cameos of characters falling off gondolas into the canals and/or slipping on bananas, etc!). The right trailer, the right time of year, the right riding-on-Heath's-sadly-gone-forever-coat-tails PR push, and this movie could be a 'sleeper hit' yet!

When Disney Studios wants to produce a film that definitely is not for children, it is produced under the name Touchstone. Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is a Touchstone film!... And of course, so is CASANOVA.

With Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) in the title role and Jeremy Irons, Lena Olin and Oliver Platt also in the cast, Casanova is a film that has a lot to offer. Visually, both the scenes of Venice and the photography, in general,are exquisite. The costumes also demonstrate great variety and are quite impressive.

Several of the storyline situations and characters are extremely humorous. The interpretations rendered by Jeremy Irons and Oliver Platt are truly fabulous. True, most of the historical references do not match reality, but, after all, it is a comedy....and most important of all, it's a rousingly entertaining movie!

Of course, there are romantic elements in the story development. (With a title like Casanova, could it possibly be any different?) Even the music is spot on to transport viewers back to 1758!.....

ENJOY! / DISFRUTELA!

Any comments, questions or observations, in English o en Español, are most welcome !

Upon its release,I wasn't sure about it,and my uncertainty was further heightened when it received mixed response.So,I waited until It came out on DVD charts to watch it.And frankly,I liked this period piece.

Even though it plays out more like a parody of the legend,it's not at all bad.It's rather amusing and really hilarious.With often silly but really rib tickling situations.

Casanova.Legend among the venetian city,and of course the ladies.The film chronicles the life of Casanova who knows how to get a woman laid on bed for pleasure,as he rises to fame through lies,deception,heresy,and mistaken identities.But it comes a day,when he finds his true love and it seems that a man that no women has ever rejected finally meets his match.And so he tries everything to get her.And finds true love within.

With a fresh and modern approach to the legend,it does no harm at all,and it's more fun to watch this semi-biography.It features some outlandish Production designing.Exquisitely designed sets and costumes,makes this film look rich.It's got impressive script with hilarious results.And an able directing.Hallstorm makes the film look really colorful and the setting lively.It's even got a sumptuous score.

Of course ,with its humor and execution,people will often compare this to Shakespeare in Love.Yes,it is similar in some ways,but it's a completely different experience overall.While that film was smartly funny.This film is silly fun.The silliness is allover the film.But it makes the bumbling characters all the more likable.It is a commendable film.

It is fresh,light on humor,outstandingly funny,and sometimes even sweet.Which makes you wonder why this film got a R rating? It wasn't all that grotante in its content.It played out more like a hard edged PG-13.

The film's tone and pacing is quick to admire.It's very likable.Largely due its settings and of course it's cast.One from the supporting actors really help it be more enjoyable.This offering from Disney is worth spending time on.It's fun,that's one thing for sure.

The cast superbly fills out their roles and help make Casanova so enjoyable.In particular Omid Djalili,who is just wonderfully funny.He is simply the one who offers snort out laughs without a hitch.His presence alone gives you belly laughs.As the bumbling sidekick ,he's just absolutely hysterical.

Heath Ledger as the playboy couldn't be more perfect.He is a charm to watch.And seems to be having more fun and feels more comfortable here,when compared to the dark,tragic performance he gave in Brokeback Mountain.

Sienna Miller was a complete surprise.She really catches your attention.She's gorgeous and adorable.And plays out her role with confidence.Only,she can't match the performance Gwyneth Paltrow gave in Shakespeare in Love.

Oliver Platt is hysterical.He injects fun to his scenes.And the scenes with him and Casanova with his sidekick Lupo are the highlights.Jeremy Irons and Lena Olin were fine.

Althogether,an entertaining period piece that is aided by the great actors involved and fun to be had.Sure,it's silly ,it's unfocused and flawed.But it is an modernistic version of the Legend and it plays that way just fine.It may be farcy,but it's a delightfully delicious romantic comedy romp.Just enjoy it.

I just saw Casanova. I read most of the comments here before I went to see it and honestly I was on my way to give up on it. I had fun. I laughed and enjoyed it. One thing though: this is a comedy. If you are in search or a historical, accurate description of the famous Casanova then you are on the wrong path. Some people here said Jeremy Irons was... over-acting? Come on.. give him the merit he deserves as a great actor that he is. He was enjoying his role. I could almost see him laughing on the set after the director shouts out Cut! The only dramatic moment towards the end of the movie seemed to be there just to reinforce the comedy picture after it. Sienna Miller seemed a bit uneasy to me at the beginning with the speech in the University.. I loved the costumes and the settings. It definitely makes you think of buying a ticket to Venice. (Again!) Sensual? 10% Love story? 40% Comedy? The rest. So I say, if you are in the mood for something light, give it a chance and laugh :) And let us agree to disagree, shall we?

This movie is a blast. If you're a fan of Shakespearian situational comedy (Twelfth Night, Midsummer Night's Dream, etc) then you're in for a treat. And please note that when I refer to Shakespeare, I'm talking about the original plays, not some stupid Kenneth Brannaugh romp.

The plot weaves a wonderfully tangled web of lies, misunderstandings and mistaken identities. The characters are just plain fun to watch. And director Lasse Hallström pulls off what so few people are able to do: make a comedy that doesn't offend anyone. Well, actually I think some Catholics may be offended at the uncomplimentary portrayal of the 18th century papacy, but from what I know of history, it's well deserved.

But this leads me to another point. Don't expect history, OK? A few reviewers seem to be upset by the poetic license Hallström takes. C'mon people, it's a fantasy. It's no different from the film AMADEUS which trounces all over historical fact but gives us a fantastic dramatic fiction in return. I admire creative writers who can turn history on its ear.

So yes, this isn't the erotic, decadent Casanova you may be expecting. In my opinion, that portrayal is hackneyed anyway. This is a much fresher approach. So put down your history books and enjoy the picture already.