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Le Retour de Casanova
1992 History / Comedy / Drama
Review
After a series of disappointments and doomed cinematic ventures in the late 1980s, iconic
actor Alain Delon makes an unexpected return to form as an ageing Casanova in this lavish
period production (a welcome change from the increasingly formulaic thrillers towards
which the actor had been gravitating) . It’s not too difficult to see the parallels
between the waning fortunes of the famed Italian lover and the celebrated French actor
as old age and obscurity beckon after a glorious and eventful career. Alain Delon’s
best days may have been behind him when he made this film, but, with perhaps a touch of
self-conscious irony, he manages to turn in a creditable performance – one which conveys,
with subtle poignancy, the tragedy of a man slowly waking up to the fact that he is –
to put it crudely – just a bit past it.
Whilst the script could have been improved upon (to give more authenticity to the characters and the period they inhabit), the film’s production values are rather good - particularly the set design and cinematography, which bear all the hallmarks of a quality historical drama. Alain Delon’s presence may dominates the film, but there are some notable contributions from a great supporting cast, including the priceless Fabrice Luchino (who plays Casanova’s fawning servant, the main comic element in the film) and the eye-catching Elsa Lunghini. Edouard Niermans’s direction isn’t faultless but it avoids the obvious clichés and there are some occasional touches of brilliance. Overall, the film is both entertaining and intellectually rewarding, and it gives you a real thirst to find out more about the much-maligned historical figure it sympathetically portrays. © James Travers 2007 Write a review for this film...User Comments
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Director:
Edouard Niermans
Starring: Alain Delon, Fabrice Luchini, Elsa Lunghini, Wadeck Stanczak, Delia Boccardo Synopsis
Well into middle-age, Casanova finds himself wandering purposelessly in the South of France,
accompanied by his ever-loyal valet Camille. Weary and almost penniless, the legendary
seducer yearns to return to his native Venice, but cannot do so until he receives written
permission from the authorities. One day, he meets Olivo, an old friend who invites
him to stay in his country house. Casanova gladly accepts and learns that
Olivo’s wife, Amelie, is one of his former conquests. Whilst Amelie tries in vain
to rekindle his erstwhile passion for her, Casanova’s attentions are fixed on Marcolina,
his host’s beautiful niece. To Casanova’s horror and incredulity, Marcolina, a woman
of rare intelligence and sophistication, fails to find him the least bit attractive.
It seems her heart is already given – to a dashing young military man named Lorenzi….
Credits
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