John Malkovich exudes charisma as Valmont and really does look like a french aristocrat from those times. It is unfortunate then that his seduction of Madame de Tourvelle (Michelle Pfeiffer) is conducted in the manner of a drill sargent, making his character as a lady killer a bit unbelievable. Michelle Pfeiffer and Glen Close give the best performances in the film. The torment of Madame de Tourville, played by Pfeiffer, struggling between her love for Valmont and everything she believes in, is acted with exquisite emotional honesty.

It is interesting that author Francois Choderlos de Laclos who wrote the original novel in 1782, being a man, had such a sympathetic insight into the inequalities and double standards the women of the time had to endure. The character of the Marquis de Merteuil being the anti-hero here as a supremely intelligent, capable woman in a society which offers her no outlet for her abilities, apart from destruction and manipulation. Although excellently acted, Glenn Close who plays her reminds me scarily of (a young) Margaret Thatcher!

It is probably the most definative adaptation of the original novel we are ever likely to get, with its message of the timeless constancy of candid, unsophisticated human nature, with its flaws, desires and vunerabilities. A film version with Lindsey Duncan and Alan Rickman as Merteuil and Valmont respectively (who were in the original Broadway version) would have been awesome. But sadly not meant to be. That aside, this version is pretty close to perfection.


ANOTHER DVD BADLY CUT - BUY THE OLD VHS INSTEAD   December 4, 2004
 24 out of 26 found this review helpful

This is one of my favourite films BUT as usual these days in the rush to make money from one version of the film the company making the DVD have cut it to pieces. IT IS NOT the film that won those oscars, it is bits and pieces of it put together in a hurry which prevents you from enjoying the subtlety and nuance of the original. Several scenes have been cut from the original VHS version. I dont know why. I also dont understand how companies can market a film as a product when what they are actually giving you is not that same product. Perhaps they should call it Dangerous Liaisons (the ignorant American cut).


Probably my favourite film   July 27, 2004
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I can't quite decide if this or Room with a View is my favourite (they're so different it's hard to choose) but you certainly wouldn't regret buying this. The plot has always made this a gripping story whether it's a book, a play or a film but the casting and acting here are perfect and the score is excellent too. Pity about the American accents but the acting is so good and the sexual chemistry so strong that it doesn't really matter. Andy from Broxbourne should check his facts before he accuses the Americans of being parochial though; Christopher Hampton deserves no credit for the story as his play was adapted (as is this film) from the original French novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos.


The art and science of one-upmanship   June 14, 2004
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

Let's start with what I don't like about this film of Christopher Hampton's play: the American accents, and the fact that nobody in their right mind would give up the delicious Michelle Pfeiffer in favour of Glenn Close. Oh, and the fact that the title has been anglicised, presumably for the benefit of parochial American audiences.

Casting aside, what I do like about the film is the wonderful story-telling, the intrigue, plotting, game-playing and backstabbing. Dangerous Liaison captures these aspects of Hampton's play brilliantly - almost more so through the introduction of claustrophobic sets and atmospheric lighting in some scenes. The film looks sumptuous throughout thanks to fine cinematography, costume design and sets.

Hampton's script builds nicely towards the climax, where Valmont achieves his ultimate victory beyond the grave. The courtship rituals are played out with stately but gathering pace without any let or hinderance. Sophisticated without being convoluted, this is a fine piece of work, certainly superior to the other film based on the same story. Also excellent fun throughout, appealing to the basest of human instincts: the art and science of one-upmanship!

Malkovitch and Close capture their character's motives to good effect, but acting honour go to Pfeiffer as the innocent victim of the deadly duo's increasingly vitriolic war of nerves, sullied into losing her honour and ultimately dying of neglect after Valmont is forced to drop her like a stone in search of his ultimate prize.


An Amazing Film   March 11, 2004
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is and will always be one of my very favourite films. The acting, the plot, the scenery, the costumes and the amazing score make this film one of the best in the last 30 years.
As for 'A viewer from Southampton' who though Cruel intentions was a better film........I really do fear for your taste in film. Cruel intentions was a lacklustre pathetic apology for a movie. If anyone has the choice, please, please do not bother with CI, and covet the beautiful Dangerous Liaisons instead. You will thank me in the end!