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!

Who cares if the plot adheres to the facts, this is a lighthearted movie not intended to be take seriously! It is a romp around the most beautiful city in the world. The wonderful music carefully selected and very well performed is just a joy, and the actors all camp it up with a wealth of nuance, subtlety and verve. It conveys all the joy of life of this city and this period when noblemen and lesser mortals dressed up and paraded the canal-sides and passages and bridges, masked to preserve identity and equality.

Almost a Moulin Rouge backdrop at times with almost circus-like pranks. Not intended to be taken seriously-get it? A romp, a party, an opera, and wonderful fun.

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 !

'Casanova' is a funny Venecian comedy that has a good doze of romance, humour, drama and colour. Yes, the sets and costumes are pleasantly colourful. The art direction deserves credit. Even though the sets look theatrical, it fits with the presentation. The whimsical score adds energy. The editing is mostly good but the film does drag a little in the middle. In terms of story, there isn't anything new (which is the usual case with romantic comedies) and I would have liked to see the love blossom between Casanova and Francesca after they find out each other's identity and also how Casanova resists his 'urge' to be with other women in order to be faithful to Francesca. The dialogues are witty and amusing. Heath Ledger fits the part and effectively pulls off the title role. Sienna Miller is unrecognizable but still pretty. She may arguably be a little too young for the part but is still vivacious and her youth adds to the stubbornness of the character. Lena Olin has a graceful presence. Oliver Platt is hilarious. The romantic track between Paprizzio and Andrea is among the most endearing and funniest moments. Omid Djalili is great as the sidekick. Jeremy Irons is good too. 'Casanova' isn't pathbreaking cinema but it would make for a good date movie or a Sunday night/rainy day film. It's colorfully vibrant. It's funny. It's nice to look at.

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.