“We danced our youth in a dreamed-of city, Venice, proud and pretty. We lived for love, lust, and beauty, pleasure than our only duty. Floating then ‘twixt heaven and earth and drink on plenty’s blessed mirth. We thought ourselves eternal then, Our glory sealed by god’s pen.”
Thus begins the opening segment of one of my top favorite movies of all time. Directed by Marshall Herskovitz, It is a historical drama film set in 16th-century Venice, about a courageous and young courtesan. It stars Catherine MacCormack and Rufus Sewell in the lead while Oliver Platt and Fred Ward are in the supporting roles. Distributed by Warner Bros, it is a Regency Enterprises production.
An angelic story based on true events…
Veronica Franco, a young and pretty poetess in Venice, falls in love with Marco Venier, a Venetian senator. Veronica can not have him as she is not wealthy enough. To have Marco and to make a living, Veronica’s mother, suggests she become a courtesan. Although she refuses at first, later knowing that she has no choice, accepts the idea.
The Dangerous Beauty movie poster
Unlike other Venetian women, courtesans are allowed to delve into arts and to learn to read and write. With the help of her mother, who was a former courtesan., Veronica learns the trading day by day. Meanwhile, Marco marries a woman according to his station while still loving Veronica. Now, Veronica has become a well-known courtesan in Venice and starts to make acquaintances with wealthy Venetian statesmen including the King of France. Marco finds it difficult to get close to Veronica but they meet whenever they can. Marco insists to change her life but Veronica stays true to herself.
A war between Venice and Persia breaks out and all the statesmen go to war. Meanwhile, the black death has hit Venice, and half of the citizens die from diseases. The catholic church declares that it is a curse from God and makes courtesans its culprits. Veronica is questioned upon an inquisition and summons her to confess. She refuses to name her clients and leaves to be executed. Marco speaks for herself and shames the church and its ministers publicly asking them to stand up and confess their sins. Amazed by the courage of the people, the church drops the inquisition, and Marco and Veronica reunite.
An absolute senses pleaser…
From the moment we step into this movie, the viewers are blown away by the magnificent beauty of Venice and the alluring musical score. The seductive charm of the courtesans with their exquisite costumes makes a feeling of a paradise on earth. Add to that the enchanting beauty of Catherine Maccormack. She is gorgeous! This movie does justice for the word “Beauty.”
The Dangerous Beauty movie scenes
Shot entirely in Venice, the settings and cinematography alone make this a show-stopper. The scenes where courtesans make their way through the Venice canal and when Marco comes in a gondola to see Veronica are such perfect examples. The incidents where king Henry meets Veronica and when the gondolas float through Venice are just mesmerizing to watch. All the scenes are filmed with an artistic eye, preserving the beauty and lushness of a historical romance. Credit goes to the man behind this fruitful cinematography, Mr. Bojan Bazelli.
Oh, the music! It is what keep you attached to this masterpiece at all time. Composed by award-winning musician, George Fanton, they are just soul-melting! In the beginning, in the middle at the end, they never fail to amaze and amuse you at the same time. They bring a warm feeling of love, a grim feeling of the war beautifully. They can be enjoyed even after the movie as long as we can. Combined with the luscious cinematography, they add icing to this seductive chocolate cake.
A lyrical poem…
One of the most captivating things about Dangerous beauty is its unforgettable and Shakespeare-style dialogues. It almost feels like it is a stage play! It is so special because modern-day movies don’t usually pay attention to their lyrics that much. From the narrator to the lovers and villains, everyone uses words that are just so prudent. The words express the beauty of their mind and here are some memorable quotes that caught my ear.
The Dangerous Beauty movie scenes
“We thought ourselves eternal then, Our glory sealed by god’s pen.”
“I see my fated stars in your eyes, they melt me as the son does snow.”
“Devil got my heart now, God hasn’t a chance.”
“Marriage is not romantic, that’s why God invented poetry.”
“You must know pleasure, to give pleasure.”
“Her raiment as the moon doth glow, her wisdom shines bright as an envious day.”
Apart from the above, when Veronica and Maffio put on a poetry duel, they are full of witty humor and cynical words. After all, Veronica is a poetess. We can assume that she knows her words better than anyone else. The scriptwriter has done a marvelous job when creating a script that is both lovely and inspiring. They add a silver lining to the movie and make it an absolute masterpiece.
The Gondolas that keep floating…
When creating this luscious and sumptuous movie, it needs someone who can carry the engine forward smoothly, as gondolas pass through Venice canals. Veronica is seductive yet clever and has a sharp witty mind. She must carry a courtesan’s charm while demonstrating her trendsetting attitude. Catherine Maccormack, How well is she suited as Veronica? And who could have done it better than her? She has got that innate beauty within her, she looks perfect as a young and voluptuous maiden, and when both combined, It’s Veronica Franco!
The most famous courtesan in Venice. The pinnacle of her acting comes on two occasions. First, is the part where Veronica’s mother asks her to change her mood from time to time. Changing her facial expression from one to the other is just unbelievable. Another part is when she faces the inquisition. Her performance there is just angelic. For me, it is the best scene in the film. She is the engine that carries the gondola forward.
The Dangerous Beauty movie scenes
A gondola needs the service of two men to float smoothly. We’ve discussed one. Here comes Rufus Sewell. For me, the star of the show. More than anything, his eyes blends with Marco than anything else. I wish that the real Marco’s eyes were similar to him! His stand-out performance as Marco is truly admirable. Able to convey the lover’s struggle and man’s courage at the same time. Stuck between his family station and true love, he portrays a determined and stunning Marco superbly. His performance in the last part is worth an award.
Every actor and actress does a decent job in the movie as supporting roles. But Oliver Platt was special. As the cousin of Marco, he respects Marco while envying Veronica. His performance as a poet, a fighter as a friend, and a villain is something special. Hats off to that man as well.
The power of feminism and true love…
The dangerous beauty brings out the story of a courageous woman who dares to be different from others. At a time women were nothing but dolls, Veronica challenges her destiny and wins her love and life. The message this film conveys is universal and timeless. It suits today more than ever before.
Our world is overwhelmed by injustice and gender inequity. Even faster than 500 years after the Renaissance period, the issues still haunt us from time to time. Some underprivileged women in the world have no access to good education and gender equity due to various political and religious misjudgments. Veronica arrives at this time when their voices should be heard.
She insists they be who they are by being clever and courageous. To get what they want, they have to use their feminist powers and spells, which are intelligently used by Veronica as a courtesan. She chooses a dangerous career as a courtesan not only does she wants love, but she needs to show who she is. Though the whole society is against her, she stands for the truth and justice. The exact temperament modern-day women have to get used to.
The Dangerous Beauty movie scenes
a strong social message in dangerous beauty
Though this is a feminist movie, it brings a strong social message to the men as well. Marco is the man who every man should follow. Marco truly loves veronica, but can not have her due to his family’s cast. But he never protests or blames anyone. He waits until the right time arrives and convinces Veronica who is her true love is. He tries to get her to the good side but fails. But he is determined and ambitious.
He goes to the war and survives. Comes back and seeks the love of Veronica when she is at the inquisition. When no one speaks for the sake of Veronica, only one man, Marco speaks alone risking his profession and his life. He asks others to follow him but few others dare to step up. Then he states, “I stand for Venice and this woman alone.” Such is the spirit of a real man like Marco, a role model for modern-day men. It’s the courage and ambition of men and women like Marco and Veronica who make this world a better place.
