On DVD (1988). Rated R, 120 minutes.
As a general rule, I can't stand Victorian-era period pieces, but Dangerous Liaisons is an exception. Set in 17th century Paris, this film follows the demented exploits of Marquise DeMerteuil (Glenn Close, in a nominated performance) and Vicomte DeValmont (John Malkovich), two gilded and jaded friends and lovers that enjoy ruining the lives of others.
The Marquise loves Vicomte but chooses not to reveal her love and instead challenge him to accomplish several painful conquests. His first conquest is the nubile future wife of the Marquise's ex-husband, Cecile (Uma Thurman, in a revealing performance). The central conquest for the Vicomte is Madame DeTourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer, in a nominated performance). She is a beautiful, married, and virtuous woman, and for that the Vicomte finds her to be a great conquest. Through his attempts, however, he actually falls in love with her. He ultimately chooses his reputation as a 'player' in Paris over his true love, and he unravels as a result.
This film was nominated for best picture, and Director Stephen Frears (The Queen) does a remarkable job at pacing the film so that it doesn't get bogged down (a la Amadeus, etc) in 10 minute operatic scenes that mirror the action or unnecessary period detail vignettes. The screenplay features relatively modern dialogue and sensibilities. I thoroughly enjoyed the film because of Malkovich and Close. Their morally bankrupt characters were refreshing (except for the depravity) and their mocking of the earnest hit a little close to home.
Worth seeing, even if you hate the period piece.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Dangerous Liaisons - A-
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2 comments:
while i haven't seen it in about 5 years, i'd give this one an A. while close and pfeiffer are both great, malkovich as the most seductive kind of evil makes this film for me. it's much better than cruel intentions (based on the same source material) because it's not afraid to show the depth of moral decay the major characters have succumbed to.
i'm a little surprised your resisted mentioning that keanu reeves performance here offers proof that his inability to act is not a recent phenomenon. and, yes, i caught your thurman pun.
A- for me. Great symbolism in the last scene of the film as Close removes her makeup.
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