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

2 nominations.

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 Turks, 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.

---

Plot Keywords:

prostitution | courtesan | inquisition | coitus | nudity | 

---

Taglines:

A life without compromise.

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance

---

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

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$105,989, 22 February 1998, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$4,530,929, 5 July 1998

Company Credits

Production Co:

Regency Enterprises, Arnon Milchan Productions, The Bedford Falls Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Bolognetti (David Gant) puts Veronica (Catherine McCormack) on trial in Dangerous Beauty (1998); he also plays a similar role in Braveheart (1995) where he puts William Wallace (Mel Gibson) on trial. The connection? Catherine McCormack played Wallace's wife in Braveheart.

---

Goofs

On Veronica's first night as a courtesan, Marco notices her and gets up from where he's sitting to speak to her. Maffeo is supposed to be reciting a poem, but in the shot of Marco rising, Maffeo is sitting right next to him.

---

Quotes

Veronica Franco: You sleep with Giulia every night for duty's sake. I slept with the King of France once for duty's sake. Who does not forgive?
Marco Venier: Perhaps I just can't live with it.
Veronica Franco: But I love you.

---

Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: Deep Impact/Woo/Clockwatchers/Little Men/Artemisia/In Our Own Hands (1998)

---

Soundtracks

Kapsberger
Written by Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger

User Reviews

A Feast of Beauty, Charm & Wit

While there have been several recent films about courageous women of the past whether true or imaginary, Dangerous Beauty, a quality effort with individuality, is a welcome addition to this group.

A story of some historical sweep, wit and romance, we are first drenched in the sunlight and beauty of Venice. As the film builds I was impressed by the talent, charm and strength of the hero, Veronica Franco, poet and courtesan.

Through two amazing events she saves Venice twice first by getting help to defend itself from invasion and later by standing up for its spirit of independence. Intertwined with this is a touching romance made bitter sweet by the pressures of arranged marriages, the terrible limitations upon women and the twisted power of envy.

This film works on many levels, the photography and music are top notch as are the settings and costumes. The acting is fine including the main roles played by Catherine McCormack and Rufus Sewell. (Just don't expect Blanchette and Joseph Fienes.)

If you like historical dramas with romance, intrigue and lovely scenery then I strongly recommend Dangerous Beauty.