Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

Published November 19th, 2000 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Compare and contrast the two films, Dangerous Liaisons and Cruel Intentions, which are based on the same novel. 

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This movie is the perfect depiction of the power of the male ego. It is also a reflection of the cruelty of a woman’s heart once broken. 

The book, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, written by Choderlos de Laclos was originally written in epistolary form. This means that the entire book consisted of letters. 

Interestingly enough Swoosie Kurtz, who plays Madame de Volange, went on to play Dr. Greenbaum in Cruel Intentions, the modern retelling of Dangerous Liaisons. In both films, Valmont seduces her daughter. 

Following are some details of the film: 


 

Tagline: Lust. Seduction. Revenge. See the game played as you've never seen it before


 

Plot Outline: Set in France, 1788. The Marquise de Merteuil, Glen Close needs a favor from her ex-lover, Vicomte de Valmont, John Malkovich. Her ex-husband is planning on marrying a young, virtuous, woman called Cecile de Volanges, Uma Thurman. The Marquise would like Valmont to seduce Cecile before her wedding day. Meanwhile Valmont has a conquest of his own in mind, Madame de Tourvel, Michelle Pfeiffer, a beautiful, married, and God fearing woman. The Marquise doesn't think that Valmont can do it, she tells him that if he can provide written proof of a sexual encounter with Madame de Tourvel, that she will offer him a reward, one last night with her.  

Directed by: Stephen Frears 

Writing Credits: Christopher Hampton 

Genre: Drama/Romance 

Cast: 

Glenn Close : Marquise de Merteuil 

John Malkovich : Vicomte de Valmont 

Michelle Pfeiffer : Madame de Tourvel 

Swoosie Kurtz : Madame de Volanges 

Keanu Reeves : Chevalier Danceny 

Mildred Natwick : Madame de Rosemonde 

Uma Thurman: Cecile de Volanges 

Peter Capaldi : Azolan 

The movie runs 1 hour and 59 minutes. 


 

Academy Awards Won:  

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration 

Best Costume Design 

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium 

Best Actress 

Best Music, Original Score 

Best Picture 

Best Supporting Actress 

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