Ted & Venus

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

I recently watched Ted & Venus (1991) on Tubi. The story follows Ted, an aspiring poet, who is searching for a new place to live. During this process, he dreams of meeting a beautiful woman who will fall in love with him, leading to a happily ever after. When he encounters the woman of his dreams at an apartment leasing office, he believes it's destiny. However, she might not feel the same way...

This film is directed by and stars Bud Cort (Harold and Maude), and features a strong supporting cast, including James Brolin (Traffic), Carol Kane (Scrooged), Woody Harrelson (Natural Born Killers) and Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) and Rhea Perlman (Cheers).

This movie had the potential to be much better than it turned out. The cast is absolutely stellar, which makes you wonder how a low-budget film managed to assemble such a high-caliber lineup. Unfortunately, the storyline is awkward and often uncomfortable, especially given the main character's relentless persistence. While the film attempts to blend comedy into this unsettling premise, the result is more frustrating than entertaining. There are some humorous moments, particularly in the poems, and a memorable chainsaw sequence, but these highlights are few and far between. I did appreciate how the film ultimately ended, but the journey to get there was disappointing, leaving me wishing it had been more like The King of Comedy.

In conclusion, Ted & Venus has the ingredients to be a solid film but fails to put them together effectively. I would score this a 4/10 and recommend skipping it.

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.

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.

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.