Dangerous Beauty (1998)

A Venetian courtesan becomes a hero to her city, but later becomes the target of an inquisition by the Church for witchcraft.

Director:

Marshall Herskovitz

Writers:

Margaret Rosenthal (book), Jeannine Dominy

Stars:

Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell, Oliver Platt

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Catherine McCormack	...	Veronica Franco
Rufus Sewell	...	Marco Venier
Oliver Platt	...	Maffio Venier
Fred Ward	...	Domenico Venier
Naomi Watts	...	Giulia De Lezze
Moira Kelly	...	Beatrice Venier
Jacqueline Bisset	...	Paola Franco
Jeroen Krabbé	...	Pietro Venier
Joanna Cassidy	...	Laura Venier
Melina Kanakaredes	...	Livia
Daniel Lapaine	...	Serafino Franco
Justine Miceli	...	Elena Franco
Jake Weber	...	King Henry
Simon Dutton	...	Minister Ramberti
Grant Russell	...	Francesco Martenengo

Storyline

In 16th century Venice, courtesans enjoy unique privileges: dressed richly in red, they read, compose poetry and music, and discuss affairs of state with the men who govern the Republic. When Veronica Franco comes of age, she cannot marry Marco Venier, whom she loves, because she is well born but penniless. Her choice: cloister or courtesan. She steels her heart, and with beauty and intelligence becomes the best. She's a heroine when she helps convince France to aid Venice in war with Turkey, but when plague descends, the Church charges her with witchcraft. At her inquisition, she must match wits with an old rival, speak for all women, and call courage from Venier.

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Plot Keywords:

courtesan | witchcraft | inquisition | 16th century | beauty | 

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Taglines:

Passion. Seduction. Betrayal. A Scandalous Love Story.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some scenes of strong sexuality, and for nudity and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 February 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Courtesan

Filming Locations:

Odescalchi Castle, Bracciano, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£59,685 (UK) (30 April 1999)

Gross:

£59,685 (UK) (30 April 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Regency Enterprises, Arnon Milchan Productions, Bedford Falls Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The real Veronica Franco had 6 children, three of whom died in infancy.

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Goofs

At the end of Veronica's sword fight with Maffeo, Veronica jumps into the gondolas. As she does so, she discards the black cape she already had thrown down on the staircase in both gondolas.

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Quotes

Veronica Franco: [after her first time, with a lustful expression on her face] Who's next?

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Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Palmetto/Senseless/Dangerous Beauty/Mrs. Dalloway/Nil by Mouth/Live Flesh (1998)

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Soundtracks

"Kapsberger"
Written by Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger

User Reviews

no spoilers here

This is, well, yeah, a chick flick, but plenty of male friends have seen it and not complained...much.

I watch this when I feel just a little blue and it's great. Good story, if not strong, wonderful scenery and costumes, good acting, lots of sensuality and some humor.

The Inquisition scenes will make any history buff roll their eyes so remember to just suspend disbelief and enjoy.

It's a fairly honest look at women in the 16th century, if viewed through feminist eyes. Some surprising actors turn out beautifully.

Only bad thing is, I hate this about movies and books; doesn't it get a little old when the lead female makes EVERY man fall in love or lust with her? Shouldn't there be just one who likes petite brunettes or tall redheads? it's just a thought, but this is a fantasy, and fantasies often work that way.