Dangerous Liaisons [DVD] [1988]

Another reviewer has stated that this DVD is a severely cut version of the film, and I can believe that, as it seems to gallop at far too hasty a pace. The DVD is also annoying in that it insists on defaulting to subtitles, and it's difficult to select scenes etc, as the text and colours on the menus are so unclear.The film itself has to be worth 4 stars as it's a fair rendition of the meticulously plotted book - although it has omissions, at least it does not commit the sin of changing the end. The costumes and sets are a pleasure to watch.My main reservation is the casting. Glenn Close is undoubtedly a wonderful actress, but she is no beauty, and it was implausible that a man would, at her command, have slighted his true beloved to the extent he destroys her. The "true beloved" on the other hand, Michelle Pfeiffer, convinces nicely as the pure woman whose effect on the libertine Valmont takes him wholly by surprise. Even this casting is not entirely perfect as Madame de Tourval, although cattily described by the Marquise de Merteuil as so old she is "encrusted", is actually supposed to be twenty two!The accents I found entirely jarring.On the whole captivating, although credit should really go to the author of the book, Choderlos de Laclos. The book was first published in 1782. Well, as they say, nothing changes....

An alternately wicked, witty and perfectly acted drama starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich as two playful aristocrats in pre Revolutionary France, whose challenges, games and competitions to each other over the years have entertained them endlessly, no matter the cost to others.But when the ultimate challenge between the two - for him to seduce the strictly moral and virtuous Michelle Pfieffer’s newlywed wife, leads to genuine love, the emotional forces unleashed by the game can lead in only one direction.........Based on an equally sparkling, racy and deliciously written novel (which I have read albeit many moons ago), it retains a remarkable overall faithfulness to the material and despite the fate to which it’s often selfish and unsympathetic yet oddly likeable central pair are invariably destined for, it’s actually incredible fun to watch, even as Pfieffer’s character falls victim to them. Sparkling and fast flowing dialogue, delivered by a starry cast (with early roles also for Uma Thurman and Keanu Reeves) makes the emotional conclusions all the more impactful.The Blu-ray picture quality is an improvement over the old DVD but the only extras are an (engaging) commentary by director Stephen Frears and screenwriter Christopher Hampton and a theatrical trailer.

I found myself getting restless during this feature. It’s basically a preposterous chick flick, an intrigue that is not intriguing. A soap bubble that pops and leaves nothing at all.

This is one of those rare films which in which the underlying work (LaClos' epistolary novel), the adaptation (by Christopher Hampton for the stage and then for the screen), the director (Frears), the actors (Malkovitch, Pfeiffer, Close, Thurman and Keanu Reeves), who are not only perfectly cast but who also give among their best performances of their respective careers to date, all collaborate seamlessly in a breath-taking masterpiece. This may partly be because Hampton was also a co-Producer and therefore unusually influential even after executing his impeccable writing duties, but it also has a great deal to do with George Fenton's orchestration, the cinematography, costume-design and artful use of increasing moral and physical shadow. This has to be the best costume drama ever made but it is one of the best stories ever told, irrespective of the period in which it is set. It is so perfect that it is, in its final ten minutes, almost unwatchable in its lethal intent. The human heart is skewered on a blade and then butchered on the cold, empty white of human vanity. You may never get over it. Perfect.

Sumptuous and decadent set in France before the revolution, this amazing piece of art, is skillfully played out, by Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer as the god worthy woman.Malkovich has never looked so superbly handsome, and the character he made his own, a rich and randy Viscount, who never passes any woman up, The Marquess played by Glenn Close is just as wonderful in her great expressions, and scheming ways to get revenge on a lover who left them both.Keanu Reeves is so young looking, who is part of the plan to seduce the young Uma Thurman, while the Viscount has set himself the task of seducing the young and married Michelle Pfeiffer, not to win her over, but as a conquest to topple her faith.As this piece unfolds, amongst all the scheming and betrayals, The Viscount falls deeply in love with Pfeiffer, and she with him, not what he intended at all.With tragic consequences for them both.I never tire of watching this major masterpiece.Highly Recommended

Dangerous Liaisons is one of those movies that shows how film making should be done, when everything comes together, from cast, photography, music, dialogue, to delight and enthrall the viewer. The performances by Close and Malkovich is mesmerising to watch. Perfectly cast they steal every scene they are in individually and literally burn up the screen when they are together.The scene where Valmont storms into her rooms and demands his reward, deserved an Oscar for that scene alone. The vanity and jealousy of two ex-lovers explodes in that scene where Valmont is outmatched, outmanouvered and ultimately crushed. It is amazing to watch two actors so very much at the top of their game and so obviously enjoying the moment. I believe neither have ever bettered their performances in this film. This film has everything and deserves to be appreciated.