If you've never heard of this film, that probably has a lot to do with its stupid, stupid title. Of course Veronica Franco was beautiful, but it was dangerous just to be alive in Venice in the late 1500's. War and plague were slightly more detrimental than a stunning redhead. The two leads, both British, didn't even recognize their own film as it was called An Honest Courtesan, in the UK. It also didn't help that the movie wasn't strongly promoted and came out in the same year as two more popular period pieces, Elizabeth and Shakespeare in Love. So it was really easy to overlook. I was lucky enough to see it in the theater... probably from the poster.
In any case, it's unfortunate more people didn't see Dangerous Beauty. Catherine McCormack is nothing short of smouldering as the lead, displaying effortless sensuality and unshakeable poise. How she didn't get an Oscar nomination astounds me. Rufus Sewell is terrific as Marco, a suave dude from a rich family that somehow needs more money from his future bride to get married. The dialogue between those two is so sharp that it's a shame so many of their scenes together are short. Since they can't marry, Veronica becomes a high-class call girl to support her family and to needle Marco at every turn. It's certainly not about the money for her. Her choice of career allows her to read, to write poetry, and to hold a valued position. Courtesans at the time were the most-educated yet least-respected women in their society, at least by everyone who didn't benefit from their existence.
The first half is filled with bright imagery and first-class writing, with every character getting a few good lines. Almost everyone has some opinion of Veronica - she's impossible to ignore - as her list of lovers, rivals, and haters continue to grow. Her ascent in society occurs quickly and she is smart enough to know that it won't last. Still, she doesn't have anything to apologize for.
There is a shift in tone at the midway point after the war is mentioned. The later scenes don't carry the same weight. The scene with King Henry was likely fabricated and feels artificial. Marco leaves for the war, but there's no real sense of loss... we know he and all the other men will come back. No deaths are ever mentioned. The plague sets in and everyone is looking for (simple) answers and someone to blame. That's where the Inquisition comes in and that leads to an overwrought ending to save Veronica's life. Still, the music and characterizations are strong throughout, and the final act does little to diminish the film's power. It would be understandable if you rolled your eyes a bit at the last scene. Hey, at least she lives.
I must admit this film used to be ranked much higher on my list, even in the top five for a long time. I demoted it for a few reasons. One is that I'm no longer in my twenties and mesmerized by any woman wearing a corset. A larger reason is that I finally read the source material and the movie takes a *lot* of liberties. One example is that Veronica Franco was married (as were most courtesans... no idea why) and had six children, none of them with her husband. This does not make her a bad person, but it does suggest that her affairs were a lot more complicated than pining over Marco. And the part with the Inquisition was heavily improvised as well, making the final scene (already among the weakest in the film) seem even more contrived. Her life was never in danger during the trial. Maybe changes like that shouldn't matter, but don't put the line "This story is true" if you're changing that much.
But still... her face, her hair, her hands, her voice, her eyes .. you have to see this film. I may not be in my twenties anymore, but I'm still alive.