Ted & Venus

Make no mistake, "Ted & Venus" is not an easy watch. It is however daring in a way most films fail. Obviously willing to take chances with questionable themes like stalking, obsession, and madness, the movie treads ground that many audiences will not appreciate. If however, you are entertained by the likes of "Where's Poppa?", "Eating Raoul", and of course "Harold and Maude", then you will revel in some of the the dark comedy here. There is a courtroom scene that is especially funny, and there are sporadic situations and dialog that are excellent. It's just that the whole movie feels uneven and this choppiness may be due to a difficult edit? Bud Cort should have realized that beauty is only a light switch away. - MERK

Bud Cort's earlier movies often addressed serious issues (car theft, suicidal ideation, murder, etc.) in humorous ways. I was hoping to find similar dark comedy in this one, but frankly it's harder to find; mostly it just seems dark and stupid. Ted's obsession is entirely unreciprocated, his target wholly undeserving of his harassment, and no one in the end learns any lessons or receives (or deserves) any redemption. His lawyer's bafflement in the courtroom and a few other scenes are mildly amusing, but do little to liven the overwhelmingly unjustified threat Ted poses.

I recently watched Ted & Venus (1991) on Tubi. The story follows Ted, an aspiring poet, who is searching for a new place to live. During this process, he dreams of meeting a beautiful woman who will fall in love with him, leading to a happily ever after. When he encounters the woman of his dreams at an apartment leasing office, he believes it's destiny. However, she might not feel the same way...

This film is directed by and stars Bud Cort (Harold and Maude), and features a strong supporting cast, including James Brolin (Traffic), Carol Kane (Scrooged), Woody Harrelson (Natural Born Killers) and Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) and Rhea Perlman (Cheers).

This movie had the potential to be much better than it turned out. The cast is absolutely stellar, which makes you wonder how a low-budget film managed to assemble such a high-caliber lineup. Unfortunately, the storyline is awkward and often uncomfortable, especially given the main character's relentless persistence. While the film attempts to blend comedy into this unsettling premise, the result is more frustrating than entertaining. There are some humorous moments, particularly in the poems, and a memorable chainsaw sequence, but these highlights are few and far between. I did appreciate how the film ultimately ended, but the journey to get there was disappointing, leaving me wishing it had been more like The King of Comedy.

In conclusion, Ted & Venus has the ingredients to be a solid film but fails to put them together effectively. I would score this a 4/10 and recommend skipping it.

As Bud Cort's first attempt at direction, Ted and Venus is able to retain a certain degree of charm but in many respects falls short of a "good" movie. Although the basic idea of the film is intriguing, the plot is both weak and uninteresting. Bud Cort delivers a well-mediated and convincing performance, but fails to instill whatever formula is needed for a thoroughly entertaining movie. Except for the most die-hard Bud Cort/Harold and Maude fans, this movie should definitely be avoided at all costs.

What I love about is film, is that the amazing actor Bud Cort created it all by himself. He directed and wrote it, starred in it and I wish he would've done more projects as a Director. This may not be a movie for everyone's taste, but I think it is indeed, an artwork! I really enjoyed how the Venice Beach scene is captured and also the 70s decade. And I actually love the whole focus on poetry in this film. I think the character "Ted", that Bud created is a very interesting one. I think it's a a very desperate and tragic character. Although, the movie has quite a few funny elements. And also the lovely Carole Kane is in there. I think it's visually also a very aesthetic movie. And the soundtrack is amazing.✨