Without reading any interviews it is obvious that director Fellini had a contempt for his subject. He called him a "stronzo" in an interview. Poor Donald Sutherland read the multi volume autobiography by Casanova in preparation, not knowing that Fellini was going to remold the historical figure to his ends. I have only only read the first two volumes myself but he comes across as a far more interesting character than in the film. Sutherland as Casanova is a grotesque caricature who moves from one situation to another. As with many Fellini films there is nothing resembling a plot and they hinge on the characters holding the audience's attention. Even if they are unlikable they should be interesting, but nothing like this is to be found here. It is his most cold, detached, and inhuman film, with no joy. There are several visually stunning moments, especially the one which opens the film as a statue head is being lifted from the watery depths of a canal before sinking. Filming took place in Cinecitta and gives the film a dreamy quality. It is not his best....nor is it his worse.
