Stealing Beauty

Rating:
Summary: The Maestro at play
Review: Often this or that work is referred to as "transitional" but with "Stealing Beauty" this term actually applies. Moving from the somber, epic melancholy of his Eastern Trilogy films, Bertolucci here breaks off his collaboration with world's greatest cinematographer Vittorio Storraro and begins the reinvention of his cinematic style that would soon find flower in his latest masterpiece "Besieged". With "Stealing Beauty" he is first exploring his new, romantic and youthful mood and deconstructing the lilting, adagio-like crane shots that have represented the full glory of his style. This film never attains the speed and light of "Besieged" but you can see the beginnings of it at far-flung moments, like with the montage that is spun from Lucy's notebook and the Tuscan countryside. For a film whose watchwords were supposedly "Jean Renoir" and "Mozart", "Stealing Beauty" never quite finds the lightness of touch that it seeks (and the alternative music dates the film badly-- even at the time of release it felt a bit incongruous, as though the Old Master were trying on glad rags, a bit like Godard turning Botticelli's Venus into a rollerskateing babe). But never mind-- Bertolucci on a slouching day beats even some legendary directors at their best. "Stealing Beauty" is graced with gorgeously deep greens and browns, courtesy of the gifted, though in other movies sometimes misguided, Darius Khondji. Liv Tyler does everything the role of Lucy requires of her-- and no, she doesn't just have to pout and look pretty. Jereme Irons broods with the expected finesse, and Jean Marais scene-steals terrifically. Rachel Weisz earns her place in the Bertolucci Hall of Fame for nude actresses with her scene as an enticing poolside odalisque. The film, if shaky at times, manages to persuade us of Lucy's idealism and the inspiring quality of her beauty. This is richly apparent in the dreamy sequence where Donal McCann gets her to bare a breast-- admire the interplay of the other characters, Daisy feeling left out and beating a tree, Richard acting predictably aroused beyond belief, etc. This languor is ultimately the film's strength. The characters may sometimes be too narrow to be likeable, but the mood lifts them above themselves. As for Bertolucci, he may be a bit uncomfortable being too sweet and innocent: there's a fine moment late in the film where a woman takes it upon herself to show Lucy what the 'Marquis de Sade' character REALLY likes that feels as though the earthy Bertolucci of the '70s decided to push in and add some perversity to the proceedings. But it's nice of him to go with Lucy on her journey of awakening (as though I even need mention what the film is "about"!) and, though for him a "minor" work, "Stealing Beauty" can be chalked up as some kind of classic.

Rating:
Summary: Utter Disappointment
Review: This oversexed movie lacks in depth, soul and substance. In fact, this was probably one of the worst movies I have ever seen in my life. I was bored half-way through the movie since Lucy did nothing else but bounce from one man to the next while one of them was half-disgusted with her behavior, but also attracted to her. Of course, they end up having sex in the end.
Story line was incredibly predictable.
If you are looking forward to being bored, or if you just like
pretty pictures I recommend this movie.

Rating:
Summary: bertolucci masterpiece!...
Review: i have seen this movie so many times , it's scary! liv tyler shines in this film and she is photographed so well aginst the beautiful backdrop of tuscany. the supporting cast is also very excellent as is the ultra-cool soundtrack.highly recommended for all pleasure seekers...

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful movie
Review: This may not appeal to the US market, a slightly slow film but beautifully cast and photographed. Liv Tyler reaches peaks she has not had the script or direction to reach since, Jeremy Irons plays his best role for years and the rest of the ensemble, largely-British cast (including a very young Joseph Fiennes) also excels in roles where what is not said is sometimes more important than the dialogue. And the soundtrack is fantastic. I'm delighted this is coming out on DVD: it's a thoughtful and thought-provoking film - buy it if you've ever read and enjoyed a book (don't buy it if the book was one you had to colour-in).

Rating:
Summary: Geting beauty and stealing beauty
Review: Well,I give five stars so I mean five.Lusy and her friends are complitely nature caracters who gives us some more information about realy beauty.This DVD is the best only because this film is the best.Bernardo Bertolici is the only one who knows to make public satisfied.This DVD is for special public who is fond of films such as this one.

Rating:
Summary: Euro-film type plot
Review: The plot revolves around Liv Tyler's search for her dead mother's secret love and her desire to loose her virginity. Beautiful scenery through out, excellent nude clips of a young Liv Tyler and also Rachel Weisz.

Rating:
Summary: Tuscany Blooms Another
Review: This is a wonderfully shot film that stars Liv Tyler, and other notable actors such as Jeremy Irons. It is a typical coming of age story, set in the middle of a beautiful Tuscan landscape. Living in an almost hippy commune full of artists and writers, Tyler tries to find herself and most importantly become a woman and lose her virginity. Under the guidance of Irons, she learns more about men, life and it's brevity. Her true dream is to reunite with her childhood love, but as in real life, she finds that sometimes things are better left in one's imagination. Instead she finds what she was most looking for is right there practically under her nose. With a great soundtrack that includes the music of Portishead, I recommend this film highly.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect
Review: I thought it was a great movie. It was so beautiful, both visually and intellectually - and sensually also. I loved it. It was slow and easy and relaxed and had a wonderful feel to it. I'm an action-adventure fan, but I just ate this movie up. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Bertolucci's Magic
Review: I would have never guessed this was Bernardo Bertolucci film (Last Emperor). Simple story with some great acting (Irons, Cusack, Moffet and Rachel Weisz) and some of most gorgeous cinematography ever filmed! With a superb soundtrack featuring great songs such as 2 Wicky, Glory Box, Superstition, Alice and I Need Love sung by Sam Phillips! Lot's of lush and mood setting atmosphere in this coming of age picture featuring young Liv Tyler! Pure cinema! Pure magic! Cheers!

Rating:
Summary: this is my favorite movie
Review: This movie is sooo good.Its really a movie about self discovery, she is searching for her biological father, and how her mother used to be like when she was younger. The setting is gorgeous, and I never get tired of this movie. It deals with issues like her virginity, cancer, marriage, affairs, first loves. You owe it to yourself to watch this movie.