Dangerous Liaisons
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Movie Reviews of Dangerous Liaisons
Movie Review: EXCELLENT period drama full of intrigue...
Summary: 5 Stars
Dangerous Liasons is more or less an intrigue movie placed in an historical drama setting. While the intrigue and viciousness of the two main protagonists (played brilliantly by Glenn Close and the effortlessly evil John Malkovitch) seems modern, it does in fact have a basis in historical fact. Not that anything in the movie (or the novel for that matter) actually happened, but 18th century France (and most of Europe, for that matter) was a society much different from our own. The aristocracy, revelling in decandence, controlled all of the wealth, power, and influence. As absolute power corrupts absolutely, the aristocracy thought very little of human life besides their own, privileged lives. In this context, Dangerous Liasons works beautifully as a historical drama as the aristocratic Close & Malkovitch play games with human lives- until the game spirals out of control.
As a period piece, Dangerous Liasons is a beautiful film. The settings, costumes, and cinematography are all splendid, giving the film a truly authentic feel. The script is EXCELLENT, with complicated machinations being attempted by both Close and Malkovitch as each tries to outdo the other. The complex characterizations add a depth to the script that really makes the story compelling to watch.
The true hailing of Dangerous Liasons though, is the ACTING. Both Close and Malkovitch are SUPERB in their roles- Close is the epitome of aristicratic coldness, while Malkovitch's understated approach rings of evil masked beneath a thin veneer.
Michelle Pfeiffer also delivers the goods, as does virtually all of the supporting cast. The one exception, of course, is Keanu "Meathead" Reeves, who is quite possibly the worst actor to ever acheieve success in the history of Hollywood (his ONLY decent performance: Reeves was quite good in The Matrix). Why the producers would have cast him (at a time that he had yet to achieve superstar status) in a movie full of TRUE thespians is anyones guess, but Reeves is hopelessly out of his league here, and is Dangerous Liasons only blemish. Still, as an ensemble cast, the acting in Dangerous Liasons is absolutely FIRST RATE.
This is a film for anyone who enjoys historical dramas, especially if you can appreciate villainous intrigue. HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION!
Movie Review: The Lady Plays a Game.....Her Rules...Win or Die!....
Summary: 5 Stars
Set in 18th century France, although it could be in any time or place, a wealthy woman, a Marquis, is about to begin a game of seduction and deciet,that will ruin lives and reputations.She challenges her friend (and ex-lover) a Viscount, notorious for being a scoundral,to seduce a young,devoted bride. The Prize....why herself,of course.... for one night! He is thrilled by the challenge and the double opportunity, and sets his plan in motion. It is an elaborate scheme that is at times as much fun as it is cruel.
The Marquis also has her own little schemes going to ruin lives of other various denizens of the elite circle of aristocrats.Her plans though may turn to the destruction of her own reputation as well as tragic endings for others.Will she hold true to her word with the Viscount? Will he even still want her, or do his plans go awry and"Beyond my control" when he develops a heart?
"Dangerous Liaisons" is a beautiful piece of cinema that will leave you wanting more. The cast is absolutley mesmerizing. Glenn Close and John Mallkovich are the predators in this game of seduction. The prey...Michelle Pfeiffer, Uma Thurman, Keanu Reeves and Swoosie Kurtz. The legendary Mildred Natwick who has been gracing us with her presence in films for half a century or more,is exquiste.Director Stephen Frears treats us to great costumes, photography, acting, sound, emotions, and even a great duel.
The DVD(Warner Bros) is an excellent quality transfer. It is in widescreen(also a standard version on side B) that takes in all the granduer of the estate grounds, with a bright beautiful picture. Colors are glorious. The soundtrack is Remastered in the 5.1 Dolby Digital and is very good. There is not too much in the way of Special features, but there are some production notes, and subtitles in English, French or Spanish.
If you have seen this film before you will love this DVD. First time viewers are in for some fine performances and a great story.
Enjoy.......Laurie
also recommended is the magnificent french update:
Dangerous Liaisons
Movie Review: One of Close's finest performances
Summary: 5 Stars
OK, so Dangerous Liaisons is a little dated. The story is over 200 years old, and the film is over 15 years old. So, you might be weary of buying it for its age. Don't be!
The story, which everyone knows by now, centers around two bored aristocrats, the Marquise de Merteuil (Close) and the Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich) who take pleasure in meddling in people's love lives and corrupting them. The point of the story is that the Vicomte finally falls in love with one of his conquests, Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Close, who is in love with him, struggles to keep him from being with Madame de Tourvel.
An overdone love story? Not at all. The complexity of the plot, the power of the acting, and the beauty of the set and costumes provide for a rich, captivating film. Originally I thought Malkovich was a miscast -- I thought he contrived his role too much -- but eventually I changed my mind, and appreciate his dynamic more now. Close plays a fantastic Marquise. Her talent shines throughout the entire film. She truly makes the film excellent. The fact that she did not win the Oscar does not matter -- this role was made for her, and she for the role. There should have been two Oscars awarded for Best Actress that year. Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman interpret their roles well, and Swoosie Kurtz plays a fitting Madame de Volanges. I was amused by the fact that Kurtz also did 'Cruel Intentions,' 10 years later.
The plot of the film was well done, well interpreted. I was mildly disappointed that the film skips over the Marquise's experience with Prévan, a corrupting mirror of Valmont whom she conquers and then brags about quite explicitly in a letter. That could have been included. The costumes and set are flawless -- the three Oscars that the film won for these categories were well deserved.
All in all, a deserving film. Worth buying and watching twice, at least.
Movie Review: Exceptional and thought provoking.
Summary: 5 Stars
I love period dramas, and this movie is one of my favorites. The costumes, as well as the locations where they shot this film are very accurate and well done. The cast is exceptional, and the script is very well written.
Some of the scenes, with their rich dialog, blow me away, especially the scenes between Valmont (John Malkovich) and the Marquis (Glen Close). The characters in this movie are deep, complicated human beings. John Malkovich and Glen Close give an outstanding performance.
My two favorite parts in this movie are the opening scene and the final scene. In the opening scene, the Marquise de Merteuil (Glen Close) brushes her hair in the mirror and smiles to herself, as she sees her reflection. The final scene is of the Marquise taking off her makeup and looking at her reflection in same mirror. This time there are tears running down her face. The Marquis tells Valmont that her desire is to "win or die," as she seaks personal revenge over a society that gave her no freedom as a woman in upper class 18th century France. If the opening scene is of the Marquis "winning", we can guess what this final scene is about.
This is a dramatic movie. However, this film concludes with a brillent scene which quietly and tragically ends the story. This final scene is subtle, and creates pity for a character who has been a villain through out the film.
Movie Review: Splendid Cinematic Adaption of Hampton's Play
Summary: 5 Stars
Director Stephen Frears and screenwriter Christopher Hampton join forces here in this lavish, extremely entertaining look at the sexually promiscus, morally bankrupt lives of Ancien Regime French nobility in "Dangerous Liaisons" (based on Christopher Hampton's play Les Liaisons Dangereuses). The infamous protagonists are the Marquise De Merteuil (Glenn Close) and the Vicomte De Valmont (John Malkovich), with Michelle Pfeiffer, Uma Thurman, Swoosie Kurtz, Mildred Natwick, and Keanu Reeves, rounding out this spectacular cast (The only notable disappointment is Keanu Reeves, playing a role which should have been meant for someone like Kenneth Branagh.). Both Close and Malkovich offer two of their finest performances, portraying former lovers who seek to outdo each other with sordid feats of sexual treachery. When the Marquise De Merteuil learns that Vicomte De Valmont falls in love with one of his latest sexual prey - Michelle Pfeiffer in one of her most captivating roles - she launches a fiendish plot against her friend and former lover. This is two hours of deliciously wicked fun which should be regarded as essential viewing for those who greatly admire the work of director Stephen Frears and actors Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Keanu Reeves, Swoosie Kurtz and Uma Thurman.