Venus

Relationships can be based on almost anything, whether its based on love, friendship, or work. It can be between people of different kinds, different races, different ages. This movie is essentially about the relationship between Maurice Russell (Peter O'Toole) and Jessie (Jodie Whittaker). Maurice is an old man reaching towards the end of his life, who is enchanted by his friend's (Ian (Leslie Phillips)) niece's daughter. Together they share a relationship, which seems more sexual than not. (When I say sexual, don't worry, I only mean to very certain limits. No kissing or more involved)

When the movie starts, we learn that Maurice and his friends are actors, who have lived pass their glory days. Maurice still acts, but only bit roles, such as in one scene, he is seen acting the role of a 'corpse' in which his wife (Valerie, played by Vanessa Redgrave) believes he is being 'type-casted'. He is then acquainted with Ian's niece's daughter, Jessie, where he is blown away by her beauty, and he considers her as a Goddess (Venus in particular). A friendship (in some ways) builds but its not a personal one, as both have completely different characters - Jessie is rude, lazy, and spends half her time eating and sleeping whereas Maurice is in some ways less conservative than his friends, but still nevertheless rather old fashioned.

For me, this movie is about the relationship between Jessie and Maurice. Although at times there might be complaints of it being slightly perverted, I do feel that in some ways, for this movie to be unique, and for it to work, it has to be about Maurice's sexual nature. Its because of this, we can see more of what Maurice is, an old man who wants to relive his younger days before he finally passes.

*MIGHT BE A SPOILER HERE. DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW!*
There is an absolutely beautiful scene at the end of the movie, where Maurice and Jessie are seating by the beach, and he then passes away after seeing the ocean. It was a wonderful way of telling us that he has fulfilled his final wish (to relive his younger days), and he can now leave with peace.
*END OF SPOILER*

The acting performances in this movie are world class. Peter O'Toole thoroughly deserves his Oscar nomination for this movie, and its amazing how at his age, he's still able to produce a performance of this standard. Its truly incredible. Jodie Whittaker, a newcomer in this movie, also puts in a brilliant performance. A notable mention might be Leslie Phillips who I thought in many ways was extremely hilarious in the way he portrayed the over-conservative Ian.

This movie is truly a gem. The only pity would probably be that not as much marketing was done for this movie compared to the other Oscar nominated movies, but nevertheless, I'm happy to spread the word about it. Its an amazing movie, full of wit and charm.

Rating: 4.3/5

Written by Kevin Lau