Using the plot of the film “Honest Courtesan,” the actors told the audience the life story of a real historical character - the Venetian priestess of love Veronica Franco. The film is filled with funny melodramatic events, but also not without a certain tragedy. Who starred in the biographical film about the “honest courtesan” and how did the fate of the actors develop after the project?
Honest Courtesan: actors and roles. Katherine McCormack
The main role in the film Marshall Herskowitz went to British actress Catherine McCormack.
According to the plot, her heroine Veronica has no dowry, so she can not marry the beloved noble seigneur Marco Venier. In order to provide for her mother and not lose her house in Venice, Veronica agrees to become a courtesan - i.e. a professional lover for noble gentlemen. Only now Marco, even being married, is not going to put up with the fact that his beloved is now the "property" of the city.
In the movie “Honest Courtesan,” actors McCormack and Sewell played lovers, whose relationship is never destined to become official, recognized by society. Before Catherine starred in this film, she created another unforgettable romantic duet with Mel Gibson in the Oscar-winning Braveheart. But even after the success of the Honest Courtesan, McCormack continued to devote more time to her work in the theater than in the movies. Therefore, the filmography of the actress is not as extensive as her fans would like. Among the few films, one can only distinguish the picture “Spy Games” with Brad Pitt and “Shadow of the Vampire” with John Malkovich.
Honest Courtesan: actors. Rufus Sewell
Rufus Sewell played in the film “Honest Courtesan” by the same Marco Venier, a noble gentleman who loves Veronica with all his heart but cannot marry her. Instead, his parents force him to enter into a marriage of convenience. For a long time, the lovers part, but when Marco notices his ex-girlfriend in the company of noble gentlemen, and even in the guise of a courtesan, he realizes that he does not want to share her with anyone.
In the film “Honest Courtesan,” actors Rufus Sewell and Katherine McCormack, or rather their characters, are faced with a serious personal drama, which they cannot resolve. In the end, after all the trials, they decide to leave everything as it is, and enjoy each other's company, as long as possible.
Actor Rufus Sewell actually for the first time loudly declared himself in this film. Then, Sewell appeared in many famous projects: in the films “The History of the Knight”, “The Legend of Zorro”, “Tristan and Isolde” and many others.
Naomi Watts as Julia De Lezze
The actors of the movie “Honest Courtesan” are quite famous people in Hollywood. The same can be said of Naomi Watts, who played in this picture Julia De Lezze - the lawful wife of Marco.
Julia was not married to Marco out of great love, but, like any well-bred woman, she reconciled with her position and even with her husband’s novels on the side. Noble girls of that time simply had no choice: they did not learn either reading or writing, their main task was to service her husband, as well as housekeeping.
For Naomi Watts, this was one of the first roles in Hollywood, which did not bring any positive changes in the career of the actress. The rise of its popularity began much later, after the main role in the film "Mulholand Drive."
Oliver Platt as Muffio
The movie “Honest Courtesan” is not only a heart-rending love story, but also a story about friendship, honor and dignity. In this regard, the character of Oliver Platt, the poet Maffio, did not show himself in the best light.
Muffio is Mark's cousin, he is a member of high society, and writes poetry at his leisure. Maffio, like many other gentlemen, succumbs to Veronica's charm and tries to become her lover, but the courtesan refuses him. For this, Muffio first pursues a woman at social events, and then sets the Inquisition against her. But Muffio’s machinations did not have the effect that he would like: the whole color of the Venetian aristocracy becomes to protect the courtesan.
Oliver Platt starred in many famous films: in the crime comedy “Married to the Mafia” with Michelle Pfeiffer, in the drama “Obscene Proposal” with Demi Moore, as well as in the biographical film “Kinsey”. The actor often appears on the screens today, but these films are low-budget and are not even translated into Russian.
Other role performers
In addition to the above actors, Fred Ward also starred in Honest Courtesan. The actor can be remembered by the famous paintings “Escape from Alcatraz” and “Player”.
Major Kelly got the role of Beatrice Venier. The actress can also be seen in the films “Twin Peaks: Through Fire” and “Little Odessa”.
Jacqueline Bisset was played by Veronica Franco's mother - former courtesan Paola Franco. The actress also starred in The Rich and Famous and Wild Orchid.
Actors such as Jeroen Krabbe (Jack Pop-Jumper), Joanna Cassidy (Blade Runner), Melina Kanakaredes (CSI: Crime Scene New York), and many other artists appeared in the frame.