A PARTIALLY TRUE STORY ABOUT LIES TOLD, VIRTUE LOST AND LOVE FOUND.
In 18th century Venice, popular womanizer Giacomo Casanova (Heath Ledger) becomes fascinated by a feminist (Sienna Miller) but is also facing the danger of being charged with heresy. Director Lasse Hallström’s portrayal of this icon of irresistibility is just as vivacious, amusing and handsome as Casanova himself. The romance between the leads may not be the best part of the film, but the supporting cast is terrific, especially Jeremy Irons as the bloodthirsty bishop (even if he almost goes overboard chewing the scenery). Some of the modern dialogue is too silly, but Venice and the costumes look radiant and believable; the use of 18th century music is also a joy.
2005-U.S. 110 min. Color. Widescreen. Produced by Mark Gordon, Leslie Holleran, Betsy Beers. Directed by Lasse Hallström. Screenplay: Jeffrey Hatcher, Kimberly Simi. Cinematography: Oliver Stapleton. Cast: Heath Ledger (Giacomo Casanova), Sienna Miller (Francesca Bruni), Jeremy Irons (Pucci), Oliver Platt, Lena Olin, Omid Djalili.
Last word: “The way Venice is reflected on screen comes across in the performances and has been a source of inspiration to us. It’s all shot in Venice and it affects the film, it’s more for real with real locations. We are the first film that has had permission to shoot a carnival scene at San Marco and I’m honoured. They have been very kind to us and there was a lot to go through to get permission, which I haven’t been part of as a director, but I am very grateful.” (Hallström, Phase 9)
