Stephen Frears ("My Beautiful Laundrette") made a firm impression on the American film industry first time around with this dramatic tale of love and deceit.
Glenn Close plays wealthy, cruel hearted schemer the Marquise de Merteul, an 18th century woman who gleefully plots the destruction of any person's life that takes her fancy. The Viscomte de Valmont (John Malkovich) is her partner in crime, a charming hedonist who takes much pleasure in engaging in similar activities, and is especially merciless when it comes to taking advantage of the fairer sex. Between them they devise ways to destroy reputations and conquer their enemies.
Respective performances from the two leads are first class, with Miss Close giving her character real power and heartlessness, and John Malkovich adding a hard edge to the usually more pleasant roles to which he is accustomed. Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal of feeble will, staunch morality and uncontrollable desire is an impressive display of restraint, and makes hers a fine supporting turn (Pfeiffer's best performance to date). Swoosie Kurtz, Keanu Reeves and Uma Thurman are all creditable as well.
As a production, "Dangerous Liaisons" perhaps stands even taller still with its lavish costume design and superlative sets (both Academy Award winners) which all recreated the 18th century in splendid, and most convincing style. Cinematographer Phillipe Rousselot catches the images with aplomb and George Fenton's baroque score makes astute use of some fine classical pieces from the likes of Handel and Bach.
Indeed director Frears has created an intriguing and even somewhat moving film about the manipulative love games that these two French aristocrats play. Well deserving of its nomination for best film (as well as nominations for best actress - Close - and supporting actress -Pfeiffer) in 1988, and highly recommended for lovers of serious, dramatic cinema and quality film making.
Monday, August 29, 1994 - Video
Glenn Close plays wealthy, cruel hearted schemer the Marquise de Merteul, an 18th century woman who gleefully plots the destruction of any person's life that takes her fancy. The Viscomte de Valmont (John Malkovich) is her partner in crime, a charming hedonist who takes much pleasure in engaging in similar activities, and is especially merciless when it comes to taking advantage of the fairer sex. Between them they devise ways to destroy reputations and conquer their enemies.
Respective performances from the two leads are first class, with Miss Close giving her character real power and heartlessness, and John Malkovich adding a hard edge to the usually more pleasant roles to which he is accustomed. Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal of feeble will, staunch morality and uncontrollable desire is an impressive display of restraint, and makes hers a fine supporting turn (Pfeiffer's best performance to date). Swoosie Kurtz, Keanu Reeves and Uma Thurman are all creditable as well.
As a production, "Dangerous Liaisons" perhaps stands even taller still with its lavish costume design and superlative sets (both Academy Award winners) which all recreated the 18th century in splendid, and most convincing style. Cinematographer Phillipe Rousselot catches the images with aplomb and George Fenton's baroque score makes astute use of some fine classical pieces from the likes of Handel and Bach.
Indeed director Frears has created an intriguing and even somewhat moving film about the manipulative love games that these two French aristocrats play. Well deserving of its nomination for best film (as well as nominations for best actress - Close - and supporting actress -Pfeiffer) in 1988, and highly recommended for lovers of serious, dramatic cinema and quality film making.
Monday, August 29, 1994 - Video