Venus

Director: Roger Michell

Starring: Peter O’Toole, Leslie Phillips, Jodie Whittaker, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Griffiths

Talented writer Hanif Kureishi combines efforts with director Roger Michell to bring “Venus” to the screen. A brave and charming film, “Venus” documents the development of a friendship and a love in the unlikeliest of places. Maurice (O’Toole) and Ian (Phillips) are two veteran actors who were once very successful, trying to survive on small pensions and odd-acting jobs consisting of playing the elderly and the dead or dying. The old friends, fearing death and enduring their last years sharing memories of big-time acting, have their lives inexorably changed when Ian decides to let his niece’s daughter Jessie (Whittaker) stay with him, and keep him company. When Jessie slowly drives Ian mad with her rude and wild-partying ways, Maurice comes to know the late teenager and friendship and romance blossoms between them despite barriers of age or convention.

Even in the face of neglect from the 2007 Oscars, with the film receiving only one nomination and no wins, “Venus” still manages to be charming and touching, promoting chivalry and the fact that Shakespeare is still beautiful. It avoids perversity and pretension in what could be a controversial film; instead it is a fresh take on the conventional love story, and the conventional right-of-passage film.

The star-studded cast delivers effortless and graceful performances throughout. Peter O’Toole portrays a tender, kind and genuine character with no malice intent in his performance, which other reviewers have deemed his Oscar winning performing despite no formal award. Jodie Whittaker however, is the ultimate achievement of the film. In her film debut, her role is not an easy one, and yet she pulls off the brash and inexperienced teenager like a professional, striking up a superb on-screen relationship with O’Toole and providing just enough of her working-class charm to gain her love and affection from the audience. Humorous throughout, “History Boys” actor Richard Griffiths, and screen loyalty Vanessa Redgrave, play the supporting roles in a funny and memorable display of polished talent.

A wonderful tale of life beginning and ending, and of the journey of learning and experiencing despite age or gender, “Venus” is a heart-warming watch.

Rachel Pilson-Wood