Casanova (www.the-usher.com)

"I'm here to investigate Giacomo Casanova"

Ah, Venice. In the late 18th century one man became a notorious lover of Venetian women, so much so that the Catholic Church had taken an interest in his blasphemous behaviour. This name is Giacomo Casanova (Ledger) and as his list of conquests increases, he meets someone who just put a stop to his philandering ways. Her name is Francesca Bruni (Miller) and she is like no woman Casanova has ever met.

History's most fabled romantic returns to the silver screen but can this version sweep you off your feet?

Director Lasse Hallström is no stranger to character based drama. After the success of 'The Cider House Rules', 'What's eating Gilbert Grape?' and 'Chocolat', he turns his gift to the story of Giacomo Casanova and injects some comedy into the proceedings to create a movie that is light hearted and fun.

The notorious lover of women has always been a literary and film favourite. From the 1928 black and white German film to Federico Fellini's 1976 telling of the tales of conquest, Venice's libertine Giacomo Casanova has always been an intriguing subject. For a man who could charm any woman into bed, she had never fallen in love with anyone of the fairer sex. That all changes when he meets Francesca Bruni, a headstrong woman who was way ahead of her time when it comes to female equality. Of course this completely different to any woman who lived at the time and Francesca was the most fascinating woman in Italy.

Bringing the lothario back to the silver screen is Heath Ledger. An actor who is on top form at the moment, he looses a little momentum with this role but this shouldn't take him too far off track. Like he did with the similar styled 'A Knight's Tale', he plays the hero of the piece in a light-hearted manner makes him very easy to watch. You can't help thinking however that he could have brought a little bit more to the role than he does. Sienna Miller is better known as a tabloid darling and a star's ex girlfriend than an actress but this role should finally give her better headlines than she is used to. As Francesca Bruni, she breathes live into the strong female character and makes her the real star of the movie.

The support is also quite good. Oliver Platt hams it up as Francesca's fiancée lard trader Paprizzio. Lena Olin is well cast as Francesca's mother Andrea. Tim McInnerny is funny as The Doge. It is Jeremy Irons that steals the show however, as the Catholic Church's head inquisitor who has Casanova in his sights.

'Casanova' is a fun period romp. The beautiful Venice setting draws you in from the off, capturing the Italian city of the time perfectly. Add to this a comedic take on the famous lover's life that does provide a few chuckles and you have an enjoyable movie that keeps you entertained.

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1 with Dolby Digital 5.1, the movie is presented well, highlighting the glorious Venice setting.

BONUS FEATURES

Creating and Adventure (12.52 mins)
Director Lasse Hallström, producers Mark Gordon and Leslie Holleran, writers Jeffrey Hatcher and Kimberly Simi and stars Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller and Jeremy Irons talk about bringing the story of the greatest lover in history to the silver screen. The featurette reveals the secrets behind the Venice shoot and the problem it created filming in the water bound, Italian city. They also talk about the casting of the film and how they loved working in the ancient and magical city.

Dressing in Style (5.19 mins)
Director Lasse Hallström, producer Leslie Holleran, costume designer Jenny Beauan, Sienna Miller, Oliver Platt and Natalie Dormer reveal how the period was recreated via the clothing and masks from the 18th century setting.

Extended Sequence: 'Hidden in plain sight' (5.35 mins)
Watch an extended version of Casanova's escape from Pucci's forces

Visions of Venice (3.51 mins)
Director Lasse Hallström and producers Betsy Beers and Mark Gordon reminisce about their time in Venice.

Audio Commentary
Director Lasse Hallström tries his best with this single person commentary but doesn't really seem to have his heart in it. He tends to pop up at intermittent occasions offering insights into various scenes and behind the scenes secrets. In the end, this is a disappointing commentary from someone who just doesn't seem comfortable doing it.

Trailers
Previews of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest', 'Flightplan', 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'

OVERALL

With a lacklustre commentary and some very average featurettes, this is a slightly disappointing package for fans of the 'Casanova'.

DVD

Girl with a Pearl Earring

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2006