
Lavish and Deliciously Over the Top
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
This elegant film is probably in my top 5 favorite movies of all time. Set in early 18th century France, this lavish spectacle begins by showing the arduous process both main characters undergo to get dressed for a party.
The Vicomte de Valmont, played with extraordinary skill by a bewigged John Malkovich, makes a bet that he can seduce a virtuous woman, Madame de Tourvel (A luminous Michelle Pfeiffer). His bet is with capricious Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close). He must obtain proof of his sexual contest in writing to claim his prize, a night with the Marquise. The two bored aristocrats manipulate their acquaintances with cruelty and zeal, using correspondences and the occasional in-person visit to attain their heartless goals.
It's truly delightful to watch them scheming and plotting - one can get quite a wicked thrill from it. I find this movie version a lot more vicious than the more light-hearted, mischievous "Valmont" version.
Uma Thurman in an early role doesn't have much to do but looks so amazingly stunning in her 18th century gowns and convent caps, you can't help but enjoy looking at her. Keanu Reeves makes a brief, poorly acted appearance as the music teacher and the Marquise's pawn. Swoosie Kurtz is delightful as the convent girl's scatterbrained mother.
Other than Keanu, the acting is superb. Michelle Pfeiffer is radiant, yet fragile as the Madame de Tourvel.
The set design is meticulous and gorgeous. I can't even begin to describe how fabulous the costumes are. Silks and brocades, dainty slippers, ethereal shawls, brocaded bodices, delicate gloves, lacy sleeves, gigantic skirts. John Malkovich's long buttoned coats and brocade vests are magnificent. The elegant French homes and gardens the movie was filmed around are fabulous to look at, also.
My only complaint is that if you haven't read the book, it's very difficult to keep all the names straight so that you can figure out who everybody is talking about throughout the movie. I was unfamiliar with titles like "Vicomte" and "Marquise" so I really got a lot more out of my second viewing of the film.
Review ID: 10000000001312993

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