Summary of Dangerous Beauty
Veronica Franco's Life as a Courtesan From Margaret Rosenthal Novel
Oct 22, 2008
The film Dangerous Beauty is based on The Honest Courtesan, a book by Margaret Rosenthal about the poet Veronica Franco. It tells the story of a young woman who becomes a courtesan because she cannot afford to marry. She excels at her job, becoming highly sought after and educated. She eventually becomes accused of witchcraft and tried in the Inquisition after the plague breaks out in Venice.
Becoming a Courtesan
At the beginning of the film, Veronica (Catherine McCormack) is introduced as a young woman who enjoys reading. She is in love with the high ranking youth Marco Venier (Rufus Sewell), who tells her he cannot marry her because she is too poor, although she is well born. Veronica is told by her mother that she only has two options for the future: either become a courtesan or become a nun.
Veronica is reluctant to become a courtesan until she discovers that she will be able to read and study. She soon becomes the star of the courtesans, due to her wit and her poetic gift. She becomes connected to many high ranking officials, but continuously turns down Marco’s cousin, Maffio (Oliver Platt), as well as Marco himself. Due to this rebuff, Marco consents to marry another aristocrat, Giulia De Lezze (Naomi Watts).
Poetic Duel and Saving Venice
Veronica's poetry is published, which angers Maffio, who is also a poet. Veronica and a drunken Maffio, in the company of Venetian aristocrats, have a duel of swords and words. Veronica accidentally cuts Maffio’s hands, and he tries to kill her, but doesn’t succeed. He is later picked up by a man of the cloth. Veronica goes home with Marco, and they profess their love for each other, and she soon becomes his Mistress.
It is soon announced that the Turks have attacked the island of Malta, and that Venice must attack. They cannot, however, rally without the help of France’s ships. The only way to get King Henry’s help is to woo him properly in Venice. While visiting, Veronica catches his eye. Venice gets the ships due to Veronica’s quick wit in regards to the King. Marco is upset that Veronica slept with the King, and leaves for war.
The Plague and Inquisition
While the men are gone to war, the plague sweeps across Venice. Many people die, and courtesans are strung up and accused by the church of being witches and bringing the plague. Marco returns from war just in time to see Veronica arrested. She is taken in front of the Inquisition and accused of witchcraft by none other than the newly ordained priest Maffio.
Veronica is told that if she confesses, she will be set free, but she refuses to compromise. Before she is to be condemned, Marco (now a senator), arises and declares that they are all damned, for all of the high ranking men are her partners in crime. The other men in the room stand up and vouch for her, and she is allowed to go free. At the end of the movie, it is declared that she and Marco remained lovers for the rest of their lives.
- Dangerous Beauty directed by Marshall Herskovitz
- Run Time 112 minutes
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