Il giovane Casanova (2002)

Dashing through the streets of Venice, slipping from the clutches of the law, darting across Europe in search of new challenges, Giacomo Casanova races through life with irrepressible ... See full summary »

Director:

Giacomo Battiato

Writers:

Giacomo Battiato, Michael Hirst

Stars:

Stefano Accorsi, Thierry Lhermitte, Cristiana Capotondi

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Stefano Accorsi	...	Giacomo Casanova
Thierry Lhermitte	...	Bernis
Cristiana Capotondi	...	Manon Baletti
Silvana De Santis	...	Widow Maniero
Catherine Flemming	...	Elena (as Catherine H. Flemming)
Katja Flint	...	Madame de Pompadour
Jean Benguigui	...	Silhouette
François Berléand	...	Louis XV
Virginie Caliari	...	Michelle
Serge Thiriet	...	Hallebardier à la porte du Roi
Yann Collette	...	De Gramont
Claire Keim	...	Elisabetta
Roberta Mosca	...	Lucrezia
Caterina Murino	...	Zanetta
Alfredo Pea	...	Filippo

Storyline

Dashing through the streets of Venice, slipping from the clutches of the law, darting across Europe in search of new challenges, Giacomo Casanova races through life with irrepressible energy. Violinist, writer, soldier, spy, gambler, adventurer - it is as a lover that he unbridles the full force of his energy. A charmer and seducer, he, too, is charmed by the beauty of women, seduced by their passion, intrigued by their mystery. For the young Casanova, life may be one dazzling Venetian carnival, but in love there are no masks or disguises: this is where he is at his most genuine, most vulnerable, most naked. The son of an actress, Giacomo Casanova grows up surrounded by the magic and artifice of theater. As the protégé of the French ambassador to the Venetian Republic, he begins his ascent in society - and his conquest of its most beautiful women. Betrayed by his jealous benefactor, Casanova is thrown into prison. Fifteen months later, he escapes and flees to Paris, where he beguiles ...

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Plot Keywords:

versailles | sex scene | pistol | seduction | topless female nudity | 

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Genres:

Drama | Comedy

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Details

Country:

France Italy Germany

Language:

Italian English

Release Date:

5 February 2002 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Az ifjú Casanova

Filming Locations:

Venice, Veneto, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

MediaTrade, France 2 (FR2), Pathe Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Giacomo Casanova: I have rediscovered two precious things that I had lost; curiosity and the joy of movement. I'm leaving for London with the money I have in my pocket. But my greatest wealth is that I am my own master. I depend on no one and if troubles come; let them. I don't want to become a worse person simply in order to live. The wind is blowing me on again, these are the great moments of life. Two big eyes gazing into mine. An unforeseen, unexpected meeting, due to pure chance, but all the happier for it....

User Reviews

"Tom Jones" in Venice and Versailles

This entertaining, lavishly-produced film tells the story of Giacomo Casanova (born 1725), and his adventures in Venice and Versailles. Those who have seen "Tom Jones" (1963) will find this equally enjoyable, perhaps even more so because of the frank nudity and simulated sex possible now on TV but which could only be suggested (such as in the famous eating scene) forty years ago.

The real Casanova was a universal genius and a born charmer who really did escape the "lead prison" in Venice, and really did set up the French national lottery. As a plot device, writer Michael Hirst -- who wrote the screenplay for "Elizabeth" (1998) -- invented the character of de Bernis, the French ambassador to Venice who befriends the young Casanova, only to turn on him after Casanova seduces de Bernis' wife. When Casanova arrives in Versailles, de Bernis is Minister of Foreign Affairs. At Versailles, Casanova befriends Madame de Pompadour, the official mistress of Louis XV. De Bernis opposes the Austrian alliance proposed by Madame de Pompadour, and seeks to use Charlotte d'Estrades to displace Madame de Pompadour in the King's affections. D'Estrades of course has fallen in love with Casanova.

The real de Bernis was a jolly cleric, a close friend of Madame de Pompadour, and ambassador to Rome, not Venice. Hirst would have done better to pattern his villain on the Duc de Richelieu, who really did use Madame d'Estrades to displace Madame de Pompadour. The latter foiled this plot by proving to the King that Madame d'Estrades had stolen a secret document on foreign affairs from the King's desk, to give to Richelieu. Happily, the document was a forgery Madame de Pompadour had planted as a trap for the sneaky, snivelly d'Estrades.

As usual, history is more interesting than historical fiction. But, as the Italians say, "si non e vero, e ben trovato" (if it's not true, at least it's a good story).