Casanova Gene (2018)

Casanova Gene Poster
Original Title: Casanovagen

A person enters the frame dressed up as a bird. In a dressing room, John Malkovich sheds the costume of Casanova. A young woman's skirt is just as orange as the beak of a zebra finch singing in a cage. White lilies stand at the foot of a statue of the Virgin Mary, red roses in front of the window of an SM studio. There the quiet game of submission in exchange for money, in a museum an embrace, a poem whispered in the ear. Children playing in a forest in autumn. A forest in summer, framed by light. An orgasm and a dance.

Overview
"Casanova Gene" is a 2018 movie by Luise Donschen that navigates the ideas of desire, love, and flexibility through the lens of different individuals' stories. The film is called for an expected "Casanova gene" that presumably makes those who have it more prone to indiscrimination and extramarital relations. It is not a structured story, however a speculative documentary that shifts in between fiction and reality.

Structure and Characters
The 67-minute movie consists of 6 loosely connected stories without a conventional narrative arc. The character set includes a virgin, a blind star, a monk, a psychologist who closed down his practice due to psychological exhaustion, a BDSM sex employee, and an opera vocalist performing the role of Don Giovanni, all of whom contribute to the expedition of styles. These varied characters provide various perspectives and experiences connected to desire and liberty.

Check out the Theme
"Casanova Gene" explores these themes primarily through one-on-one interviews, casual dialogues, and observational scenes. The intent appears to be to demonstrate how human desires are formed by our own impulses along with societal and cultural elements. The movie's idea of the "Casanova gene" is based upon a questionable study that argued for a hereditary predisposition to dangerous sexual behavior. The film concerns whether our desires can genuinely be classified in such a way and whether our understanding of love and liberty is affected by societal standards and expectations.

Symbolic Representation
A fascinating symbolic representation in "Casanova Gene" originates from the character of the opera vocalist. The vocalist carries out Don Giovanni-- a womanizing character who is ultimately penalized for his characteristics-- which serves as the film's main representation of the Casanova gene at work. The character's journey shows the duality of flexibility and punishment, examining how an uncontrollable desire for flexibility of love can lead to self-destruction.

Creative Approach
"Casanova Gene" is marked by its distinctive art-house style. Instead of following a clear narrative, it stitches together observational and specific sequences that form the general thematic exploration. The movie is not just about analyses or declarations on desire, love, and freedom, however provides a reflective assessment of these styles. One distinguishing characteristic of the movie was its silent shot of animals in a cage, subtly highlighting the intrinsic nature versus nurture argument.

Last Thoughts
In conclusion, "Casanova Gene" is a visually creative commentary on the intricate interplay in between desire, flexibility, and social norms. As a non-traditional, speculative movie, it encourages audiences to assess their own perceptions of these styles. Although it might be challenging for audiences seeking a structured narrative, "Casanova Gene" provides a satisfying expedition of its chosen subjects. Through its distinct expedition of the love and desire, the movie concerns the simpleness of classifying human habits on the basis of genes.

Top Cast

  • Wolfgang Forstmeier
  • John Malkovich (small)
    John Malkovich
  • Elija Pott
  • Undine de Rivière
  • Lumi Lausas
  • Luise Donschen
  • Zacharias Zitouni