Dangerous Liaisons
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Movie Reviews of Dangerous Liaisons
Movie Review: The Game as You have never seen it....
Summary: 5 Stars
You wouldn't necessarily think that an adaptation of an albeit famous 17th century French novel would make a relevant and fascinating piece of cinema... but it does.The first thing that strikes you is how well the film is lit and shot. The period locations and costumes are visually sumptuous and perfect. Better yet, the acting entirely matches the skill of the direction that takes its method from the theatre - emotions are conveyed by expression and not dialogue. Glenn Close gives her best performance on celluloid as the scheming Madame de Merteuil, amorally hellbent on bending everyone to her will, no matter the method or the cost, and John Malkovitch is her perfect foil as the cynical hedonistic but world-weary Valmont. Michelle Pfeiffer engages our empathy as the tortured and manipulated target of Malkovitch's desire and Close's plotting.
The film is basically a morality tale, but one that fascinates in its exposure of ego, vanity, intrigue and the war between the genders, subjects that are timeless in their relevance, despite the period setting. The storyline, which sticks faithfully to the original novel, remains compelling throughout as we watch deceits within deceits take their tragic course. Whole-heartedly recommended - take your time over it, and enjoy.
Movie Review: Best nasty characters ever?
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not often very interested in stories taking place in pre-industrial times. I like technology too much, and I find that human interactions without even a telephone are just too limited. But there are exceptions, for instance Dangerous Liaisons, which is just a wonderful story.
It is based on a novel of the same title written and taking place in France before the revolution, in the highly decadent upper class society. The same story was filmed at the same time in another very good movie, Valmont.
Apart from beautiful cinematography and great acting, the story is gripping and has wonderful characters, particularly the two main characters (played by Glenn Close and John Malkovich) who are perhaps the best *nasty* characters in any story ever. They are just really slimy. And yet they they can feel love and regret, which of course are weaknesses in really nasty people, and this leads to their downfall.
Having Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman as some of their innocent victims does not hurt either. (Warning, if you don't like the prospect of Uma Thurman topless, don't watch this one.)
It was many years since I saw it in the cinema, I was curious if it held up. It did. Warmly recommended.
Movie Review: Cruel Intentions... What?
Summary: 5 Stars
I am going to be real with you all. I actually just saw Dangerous Liaisons for the first time last night, and to tell you the truth I loved it. I of course saw Cruel Intentions when it had first came out, and thought it was just the greatest thing due to my infatuation with Ryan Phillippe lol. However, after seeing Dangerous Liaisons, I've realized that Cruel Intentions shouldn't have ever been made. I mean honestly why would this guy even think that making a remake as... watered down as Cruel Intentions would even come as close to being as good as the original? Don't get me wrong, Ryan is still hot, but hell no this version is better. I recommend anyone who is like me, and hasn't seen it yet to get this dvd. If you even thought of liking Cruel Intentions, you'll love this.
Just.. one little issue on the other hand. John Malkovich is not the least bit sexy, and therefore I was not completely convinced that he was such the ladies man as he was portrayed to be. I understand "it's just a movie" and all, but honetly. I don't know maybe it wasn't his appearance that made him so wanted. Maybe what he lacked for in looks, he made up for in... other areas :wink: haha All right I'm just going to stop right here.
Movie Review: Wonderful performance of Glenn Close
Summary: 5 Stars
When I saw this movie on TV, the opening scene was actually the last scene of the DVD version. Who was the lady (Glenn Close) in the VIP box and what has she done to provoke such a unified response from the audience of the theatre? What followed was the retelling of her story and her infamous endeavours.
Marquise (Glenn CLose) was a stunning beauty, wicked and calculating, strong-willed and manipulating. What she called as a power of struggle between the sexes boiled down to a war for her to win all at all costs. She would rather declare victory over other women who might threaten her (or rather her vanity). People around her, played by John Malkovich,Michelle Pfeiffer, Swoozie Kurtz, Uma Thurman, Keenu Reeves, were all unknowingly her puppets. The one closest to knowing the truth (John Malkovich) was also her vehicle to carry out her vicious schemes and succumbed to her plot.
This was a tragic story because it was a lose-lose-lose situation; everyone (including Marquise) was a victum in the end. True love was not rewarded. Neither vanity and happiness went to any of them. The movie offers fine performance of the star-studded cast and detailed costumes and sets. One of a kind.
Movie Review: A wonderful film
Summary: 5 Stars
Dangerous Liaisons is a lush and lavish glimpse into the lives of the 18th century French aristocracy. The Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont used to be lovers and are now close friends, a powerful but restrained attraction still simmering between them. They are both twisted people who enjoy manipulating everyone around them, but the foundation of their demise is laid when they make a bet - if Valmont can seduce the virtuous Madame de Tourvel, a married woman of unimpeachable morals, the Marquise will give herself to him for one whole night of romance. What neither anticipates is that Valmont will fall in love with Tourvel, and that the Marquise will become victim to a destructive jealousy.Glenn Close is marvelous as the depraved Marquise, and ever so subtly reveals to us the insecurities behind the noblewoman's coldly smiling facade. Malkovich proves that a man does not need to be conventionally handsome in order to be seductive; he exudes serpentine charm and masterfully acts out the Vicomte's slow and astonishing change of heart. The dialogue is witty and stirring, and the costumes are candy for the eyes. This was a thoroughly enjoyable film.