Is there a cooler actor than Peter O'Toole? Even at 84, and looking a spry 64, O'Toole literally sparkles with his unbelievably blue eyes and killer charisma in "Venus," a quite funny British comedy-drama about dying with grace while hungering for life.
O'Toole is Maurice, a famed actor of stage and screen, living out his last days with his best friend and fellow actor Ian (Leslie Phillips, also excellent) until the latter's great niece (Jodie Whittaker) arrives. The girl may be daft and clueless (she announces her intention to become a famous London-based model ... as she pigs out on junk food and noodles), but she's beautiful and full of spirit. She kick starts dying Maurice's passion for life.
There are quite a few out-there scenes here that flirt with territory already used in "The Piano," but the film's humor and touchy moments far outweigh any negatives. Credit here goes to screenwriter Hanif Kureishi. And O'Toole. Wow. The former "Laurence of Arabia" is the absolute zenith of film stars. B+
Lean on Pete
6 years ago
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