Might be a film that grows correspondingly more interesting as the viewers get closer to the age Peter O'Toole was when he made this. I found it fascinating that the film was NOT written specifically for O'Toole, as it fits him as well as a smart cravat.
The contrast between O'Toole's character and Leslie Phillip's in relation to Venus might generate some interesting chat. Are these the two poles aging males must choose between?
Granted much chatter (or hushed whispers) will go on about the May-December relationship (pretty much MayDay vs New Year's Eve), and the film unflinchingly wants to provoke thoughts there. But the other relationships help to make this a far richer watch.
The spark of elderly lust for youth contrasts strongly with the true warm love of the aging actors merits introspection. As does the lingering love despite marital (and now physical) decline between O'Toole and Vanessa Redgrave.
Not an easy watch, in more ways than merely meets the roving eye.
One last word: if there is an American remake, run like hell away from that.
The contrast between O'Toole's character and Leslie Phillip's in relation to Venus might generate some interesting chat. Are these the two poles aging males must choose between?
Granted much chatter (or hushed whispers) will go on about the May-December relationship (pretty much MayDay vs New Year's Eve), and the film unflinchingly wants to provoke thoughts there. But the other relationships help to make this a far richer watch.
The spark of elderly lust for youth contrasts strongly with the true warm love of the aging actors merits introspection. As does the lingering love despite marital (and now physical) decline between O'Toole and Vanessa Redgrave.
Not an easy watch, in more ways than merely meets the roving eye.
One last word: if there is an American remake, run like hell away from that.