“Dangerous Liaisons 2022” is a modern-day adaptation of the classic novel that tells the story of two cunning individuals who play a dangerous game of seduction and betrayal. With razor-sharp wit and manipulative charm, they weave a web of deceit that threatens to destroy everything in its path. The film is a dark and twisted tale of love, revenge, and power that leaves you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
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Review
In the world of literature, there are few works that are as captivating and sultry as Choderlos de Laclos’ “Les Liaisons dangereuses.” The epistolary novel, published in 1782, tells the story of two scheming former lovers— the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont — who challenge each other to seduce virtuous women for their own amusement. It’s a tale of manipulation, seduction, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption.
In 1988, director Stephen Frears brought this classic story to the big screen with “Dangerous Liaisons,” starring Glenn Close as Merteuil, John Malkovich as Valmont, Michelle Pfeiffer as Madame de Tourvel and Uma Thurman as Cecile. This film adaptation of “Les Liaisons dangereuses” is considered by many to be one of the best literary adaptations ever made.
The plot follows Merteuil and Valmont as they make a wager over whether Valmont can successfully seduce Madame de Tourvel or not. As part of their twisted game, they also manipulate young Cecile’s innocence and reputation in order to further their own ends. As expected in a story like this one, things get complicated and dangerous before reaching their inevitable conclusion.
One of the key strengths of “Dangerous Liaisons” is its cast. Glenn Close delivers a masterful performance as Merteuil – she’s cunning, manipulative but above all else incredibly charismatic. Malkovich is equally impressive in his portrayal of Valmont – he’s charming but ruthless. His cold demeanour is balanced out by Pfeiffer’s heartbreaking depiction of innocent Madame de Tourvel.
The rest of the supporting cast doesn’t disappoint either. Keanu Reeves plays Cecile’s love interest with just enough boyish charm to make him likeable despite his character’s usefulness to Merteuil and Valmont’s game. Thurman portrays a convincingly naive teenager who is taken advantage of by the seasoned schemers, and even minor characters such as Madame de Volanges (Swoosie Kurtz) and Azolan (Peter Capaldi) leave a lasting impression.
Beyond its strong cast, “Dangerous Liaisons” is notable for its impeccable production design and cinematography. The costumes are lavish and ornate, highlighting the excess of the period. The sets are equally impressive – from the sumptuous interiors of Merteuil’s salon to the rural idyll of Madame de Tourvel’s country estate.
The film also features an atmospheric score composed by George Fenton that perfectly captures the brooding tone of the story. The music swells and ebbs along with Merteuil and Valmont’s machinations, conveying both their seductive charm and their malevolence.
Despite being set in 18th-century France, “Dangerous Liaisons” has a timeless quality to it – it speaks to universal themes like power dynamics, gender roles, and morality. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching these scheming characters get their comeuppance after all their manipulations and betrayals.
The film was a critical success upon its release, receiving seven Academy Awards nominations including Best Picture, Best Director for Frears, Best Actress for Close, and Best Supporting Actor for Malkovich. It won three Oscars – Best Adapted Screenplay for Christopher Hampton (who also adapted Les Liaisons dangereuses into this movie), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Costume Design.
Of course, not everyone was enamoured with “Dangerous Liaisons.” Some critics took issue with its style-over-substance approach or found the characters too unlikable to root for. And while it made an impressive $34 million at the box office against its $14 million budget back then in 1988, some argue it may have been too successful for its own good.
But the enduring popularity of the story of Merteuil and Valmont confirms that audiences continue to be fascinated by their Machiavellian machinations. From stage plays to operas and ballets to other movies (such as Cruel Intentions, based on a more modern version of the novel) adapting Laclos’ original novel, “Les Liaisons dangereuses”, keeps on getting reimagined.
Ultimately, “Dangerous Liaisons” is a must-see film that strikes an irresistible balance between seductive charm and dark malevolence. If you haven’t watched it already, this film is sure to leave you intrigued, entranced, and — like Merteuil and Valmont themselves — just a bit dangerous.
Technical Data
- Release : 2022-07-08
- Runtime : 109
- Genre : Drama, Romance
- Cast : Paola Locatelli as Célène, Simon Rérolle as Tristan Badiola, Ella Pellegrini as Vanessa, Héloïse Janjaud as Charlotte, Jin Xuan Mao as Tao
- Crew : Choderlos de Laclos as Novel, Giovanni Fiore Coltellacci as Director of Photography, Julien Rey as Editor, Eleonore Dailly as Producer, Samantha Gordowski as Production Design
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : 0
- Company : Autopilot Entertainment
- Popularity : 16.268
- Summary : The innocent Célène might be falling in love with popular surfer Tristan at her new school. But she has no idea that, in actuality, she’s the object of a cruel bet between Tristan and Instagram influencer Vanessa.
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