Newsgroups: bit.listserv.cinema-l
Date:         Wed, 30 Sep 1992 22:09:55 CST
From:         "Dick Clawson, S.J." <CLAWSON@LOYNOVM.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Meeting Venus et al

Jennifer Porro writes:

>Sorry, Dick, but I thought MEETING VENUS was one of the most
>pedestrian films masquerading as an *art film* I'd seen in a long
>time.  I thought it was written by a computer, or worse yet, the PR
>department.  Let's see -- let's get a big name star from the U.S.
>(female) and a big name star from Europe (male), set the scene in
>glamorous capitals of Europe and in the glamorous (and cultured)
>world of opera,...

>tantrums.  This combination of ingredients is sure to sucker in those
>art house types.

I'm sorry, Jennifer, but the way that you've described _Meeting_Venus_
hardly makes it sound like your typical art film.  What you are describing
is a movie of the week.  _Meeting_Venus_ is neither.  I will not say that it
is perfection in the writing department, there are several characters who are
over-developed and others who pique your interest and then are ignored.  What
we do have in this film is a superb cast, international by necessity, and
an amazingly insightful look into the  inner workings of the world of not only
opera, but music and theatre.
      The Diva and the conductor are not in love.  They are captivated by the
other's abilities and are wildly possessive once the connection has been made.
Both of these characters are too self-centered to truly love another person.
As far as the glamour and culture of opera, I believe that this film did an
excellent job of stripping away that charade.  There are artists in the world,
but they have to work for a living too.


>movie -- and it is no wonder it disappeared from the box office faster
>than (dare I say it) HUDSON HAWK.

I can barely manage to dignify that last comment with a response, but I shall
try.  _Meeting_Venus_  is not art house fare!  You don't assemble the talents
which are evident in this film in hopes that it can be shown in some shoebox
on alternating tuesdays on a double bill with a Scandinavian movie musical
based on _She_Stoops_to_Conquer_  entitled "TOBY!!!".   I know that the subject
matter is a little elusive for your 18-25 y.o. target audience of today, which
should rule out your suggestion that this film was spawned from the demented
imagination of a PR man.  I also believe that the title of the film -sucks-
I first saw it in Honduras where it was entitled _Encuentro_con_Venus_.  I
believe that if it had been released in the States as *Encountering Venus*
then it might have attracted more patrons.  As it stands the title sounds
a little like a teenage-sci-fi-lost-virginity-sex-movie.

>And, in answer to your question, I was so annoyed and insulted by
>this movie that I didn't even notice if I thought it was a good or
>interesting depiction of the world of opera.

Don't take my word on this alone (I am a professional muisician who has
dropped my instrument the second the Unions standard break time rolls along)
I have watched this film several times and my opinions are shared by an
operatic Baritone who has performed at the Met, La Scala, The Paris Opera etc..
With a film critic who has judged at Cannes many times in the past 23 years.
A graduate of the Goodman School of Drama who is currently artistic director
of a national, full time theatre company.  As well as myriads of "normal"
people ranging from Honduran secretaries to Economists.  This film did not
fail to enlighten or entertain any of these people.

>I'll bet this is one movie (along with MAXIE) that Glenn Close won't
>be putting on her resume.

Surprise, I once again beg to differ.  An interview with Close in Theater
Crafts magazine reveals an actress who is immensely proud of her work in
this film, she has had a long association with the Theatre and this provided
an outlet into opera, one of the few places she hasn't ventured.  Her Lip
synch looks exceptionally good because she underwent extensive voice training
in order to add to her authenticity.  She wasn't just pretending to sing, she
actually learned the arias and sang them.  When they dubbed in Kiri te Kanawa
in editing, hers was the most convincing performance.

I liked _Maxie_  her "Bye Bye Blackbird" was flawless.

Differing opinions, thats what its all about. Thanks for responding I never
mind defending something I believe in.

RDC,SJ
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