Ted & Venus (1991)

Ted Whitley is a poet who is stalking the woman of his dreams, Linda Turner. She was volunteering at a community resource project when he came in to find out about low cost housing.

Director:

Bud Cort

Writers:

Paul Ciotti (screenplay), Paul Ciotti (story),

Stars:

Bud Cort, James Brolin, Kim Adams

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bud Cort	...	Ted Whitley
James Brolin	...	Max Waters
Kim Adams	...	Linda Turner
Carol Kane	...	Colette
Pamella D'Pella	...	Gloria
Brian Thompson	...	Herb
Rhea Perlman	...	Grace
Woody Harrelson	...	Homeless Vietnam Veteran
Martin Mull	...	Ted's Attorney
Roberta Wallach	...	District Attorney
Timothy Leary	...	Judge William H. Converse
Tricia O'Neil	...	Judge Katherine Notch
Tony Genaro	...	Bailiff
Vincent Schiavelli	...	Publisher
Andrea Martin	...	Bag Lady

Storyline

Ted Whitley is a poet who is stalking the woman of his dreams, Linda Turner. She was volunteering at a community resource project when he came in to find out about low cost housing.

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Plot Keywords:

community resource project | stalking | poet | war veteran | homeless man | 

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Taglines:

In the Sea of Love... Sometimes You Drown

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 December 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ted & Vênus

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gondola Film, L.A. Dreams Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally in the poetry reading scene was going to include a poem written by Henry Rollins. This was changed at the last minute when permission was refused for its inclusion in the film. Bud Cort wrote all the poetry himself at the last minute.

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Quotes

Ted Whitley: Excuse my appearance, I arrive by the last thunderbolt; a trifle singed as I came through the ether. My eyes are full of stardust.
Linda Turner: What do you want, asshole?
Ted Whitley: I want you to go out with me.
Linda Turner: Where do you fucking get off? Get out of here!
Ted Whitley: Will you go out with me?
Linda Turner: No! I will not go out with you!
Ted Whitley: [places a chainsaw on the table] I'm going to ask you one more time and, if the answer is no again, I'm gonna start this thing and begin cutting my fingers off.

User Reviews

Unconventional and outstanding performance by Cort.

Ted and Venus is a one-of-a-kind movie, but not recommended for mainstream film-lovers, due to its excessive black humor and satiric look at stalking and sexual harassment- a subject that can offend many. On the other hand, Bud Cort's masterful demonstration of the comedic side of such a sticky topic can shed light on a new way in which to view predators and obsession, even for those who have experienced what the main character, Lisa, did. Cort mentioned in a Pacific Radio Interview and a Victoria Looseleaf Interview that he has met/known women who, after having been stalked and viewed "Ted and Venus," were amazed to find themselves seeing the humor in such a situation. The latter is proof of this film's uncanny ability to capture the attention of, and delight the viewer.

Besides the amazing star-studded cast, Cort is the hi-light of the movie. Having co-written, directed, and starred in it, he delivers one of the best performances of his career. He adds an empathetic, almost gentle element to Ted. A part of us wants to sympathize with him because he is sensitive, vulnerable, and at times innocent. It is easily forgettable that he is the antagonist, and deranged. For a first-time director/writer, the script is excellent, and the film is well-paced, convincing, and enjoyable.

Ted and Venus is a miniature masterpiece, deserving much more recognition.