Watched Venus in Furs (2013)

I never cease to be amazed at how strange it is to watch such “theatrical productions” in the form of a movie

But past experience with Dogville has shown me that I might be interested in a film of this format. What is it about?

The film tells the story of two people – director Tom and an actress named Wanda. Tom wants to stage a play based on Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s work – Venus in Furs. But he can’t find an actress who would be perfect for the lead role. Suddenly, an actress enters the theatre, who has the same name as the heroine of the novel – Wanda. Despite her somewhat impudent character, which immediately starts to annoy Tom, with each passing minute she reveals herself even more as someone who can perfectly play the lead role in the play. But…where does the play end and reality begin?

At one time I asked a girl whether it is possible to consider that any work, including hers (fan fiction), is a reflection of inner desires and thoughts. Then I almost got a protest at these words. After all, it is “exclusively fiction”, but what is it based on? Similarly, in this film you ask yourself why the director chose this particular novel for his debut work and what inspired him. During the film it becomes clear that the director (of the play, not the film) in a certain sense wants to experience what caused him great delight. He, as it were, wants to express his “ode” to the work, which resonated with him with something very close.

Venus in Furs is the latest adaptation of this work directed by Roman Polanski. In a fabulous way, this film fell into our hands before the New Year, and I would not mind if we watched only films of this level all year. This is an unprecedented story about two people who are left face to face in an empty theatre hall, and real magic happens between them, when you enjoy watching this chemistry between the actors and the characters. If Dogville showed me that for an interesting plot, only a stage and minimal scenery are enough, then Venus in Furs showed that for an interesting story, no more than two actors are enough.

Do I recommend it for viewing? Yes, of course. 9 out of 10! 🙂

Ps and here we can also watch the magical performance of the charming Emmanuelle Seigner. I think without her this role would not have been so outstanding ^_^