Venus

UK 2006, 94 minutes
Dir. Roger Michell
Genres: Drama / Romance

Feat. Peter O'Toole, Jodie Whittaker, Leslie Phillips, Vanessa Redgrave

Aroview: The writer and dir. of THE MOTHER reteam for a companion piece to that film, this time inverting its premise to detail a relationship between a fading elderly actor (Peter O'Toole), and an incorrigible young girl from the North (newcomer Whittaker).

More of an autumnal lament than a romance, the couple nevertheless find palpable sexual chemistry in their unlikely companionship. While apparently not written with O'Toole in mind, the part fits him like a glove as he provides everything that it demands; sensitivity, strength, charm, cynicism, wisdom, and yes, virility. Indeed, it serves as a tribute to his legendary status, and may in the end be the 'other' film for which O'Toole will be finally remembered.

NZ International Film Festival 2007

Member Reviews

Average rating (Very Good). Showing 1-3 of 3 member reviews.

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5 stars (Exceptional) Brilliance of the 5 main actors is matched only by the wit of the script. Wonderful portrait of vivacious old age intertwined with gauche youth, outstandingly played by Jodie Whittaker in her first film. Funny, but with the humour coloured by loss ~Sandy
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3 stars (Good Enough) O'Toole's unsavoury character is the bitter part of this bitter/sweet drama the highlight being the performance of Jodie Whittaker which compares well with those of the proven thespian veterans. ~Tubbs
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5 stars (Exceptional) The same kind of uncomfortable realness that you get with Quills. A film of errors, knowing yourself, inviting yourself in to your own life and others'. Really enjoyed it and seeing Jodie smash it in her first film. ~Topaz