Ted & Venus

Ted and Venus is a one-of-a-kind movie, but not recommended for mainstream film-lovers, due to its excessive black humor and satiric look at stalking and sexual harassment- a subject that can offend many. On the other hand, Bud Cort's masterful demonstration of the comedic side of such a sticky topic can shed light on a new way in which to view predators and obsession, even for those who have experienced what the main character, Lisa, did. Cort mentioned in a Pacific Radio Interview and a Victoria Looseleaf Interview that he has met/known women who, after having been stalked and viewed "Ted and Venus," were amazed to find themselves seeing the humor in such a situation. The latter is proof of this film's uncanny ability to capture the attention of, and delight the viewer.

Besides the amazing star-studded cast, Cort is the hi-light of the movie. Having co-written, directed, and starred in it, he delivers one of the best performances of his career. He adds an empathetic, almost gentle element to Ted. A part of us wants to sympathize with him because he is sensitive, vulnerable, and at times innocent. It is easily forgettable that he is the antagonist, and deranged. For a first-time director/writer, the script is excellent, and the film is well-paced, convincing, and enjoyable.

Ted and Venus is a miniature masterpiece, deserving much more recognition.

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'!!

As Bud Cort's first attempt at direction, Ted and Venus is able to retain a certain degree of charm but in many respects falls short of a "good" movie. Although the basic idea of the film is intriguing, the plot is both weak and uninteresting. Bud Cort delivers a well-mediated and convincing performance, but fails to instill whatever formula is needed for a thoroughly entertaining movie. Except for the most die-hard Bud Cort/Harold and Maude fans, this movie should definitely be avoided at all costs.

Bud Cort does it all in this movie: co-wrote, directed, and starred as Ted Whitley, a walked wounded poor slob in love. It's the best portrayal of an "impaired" individual since I saw Thornton in SLINGBLADE. It's well worth a view! I rated it an 8.

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.