Valmont (1989)

The Art of Seduction

Both "Valmont" and "Dangerous Liasons" are fabulous films. I personally prefer "Valmont". The casting for this film is fantastic. Colin Firth makes a much more charming and handsome `Valmont' who knows how to use the 'art of seduction' to his advantage. Annette Benning is a scheming and beautiful `de Merteuil'. The mood of this film is more feel-good, it contains more playful humour and the imagery (especially in the outdoors) is amazing. With `Dangerous Liasons'; the characters (played by Glenn Close and John Malkovich) were more sinister and less likeable (I guess it depends what mood you're in). Overall: Highly recommended. July 10, 2008

Odd Interpretration of a Classic

Chadores Laclo's "Les Liaisons Dangerous" was given another go around in 1989's "Valmont." Director Stephen Frears had finished his definitive version "Dangerous Liaisons," about six months before. "Valmont" is a sumptuous film. Director Milos Forman ("Amadeus") has an eye for detail and mis en scene. As in "Amadeus," Forman likes his actors playful. The sets, costumes, lighting and architecture are wonderfully eye filling. To know that countless doves were dyed blue to be let loose an the opening scene alerts you to the degree of detail Forman adheres to. Annette Bening and Colin Firth as Merteuil and Valmont seem to be enjoying their parts. The acting by Meg Tilly, Fairuza Balk,Sian Phillips and Fabia Drake are also florid and engaging.

However, even without comparisons to Frears earlier film, "Valmont" is not a great film. Forman's version of Laclo's tale is mostly entertaining, although at 137 minutes the plot mechanisms get a little turgid after a while. The story is already known from previous adaptions and the reputation of the great novel. The romantized contrivances Forman builds into his version become cumberson because of Forman's desire to soften the edge off the main character's malice. However, to soften "Les Liaisons Dangerous" is to blunt it. This approach is like making a vampire film with the fangs pulled out, so no blood gets spilt. Roughly, what's the point? To make a sweet romance? Valmont's shenanigans will not make a hero no matter how much he apparently "repents" in the end.

Frears and actor John Malkovich understood that in "Dangeorus Liaisons." The tragedy of Valmont's characer is that he is irredeemable, which is why he allows himself to be killed. He hopes his death will bring a recovery to the woman he as wronged, but in the original version she dies anyway.His nihilistic poison is too strong to be sucked out of his victim. Valmont's final sacrifice only destroys his partner in crime (the Marquise de Merteuil), which IS a good thing, but still doesn't make him romantic. Colin Firth certainly looks the part of a charming seducer, more than the homely Malkovich. However, Malkovich has an inner fire and truly slimy charm that Firth's British reserve just can't match. Even when Firth's Valmont is seducing Fairuza Balk's Cecil, the scene is played for sexual comedy, rather than the the truly debauched, immoral rape it clearly is.

Ms. Bening is a fine actress,and has given some very good performances ("The Grifters," "American Beauty"). However her interpretation of Glenn Close's signiture role is too glib to be of lasting interest. In "Valmont" Merteuil seems more a pouting debutante, rather than a grown woman with the talent to manipulate all those around her. She always seems to be on the verge of bursting out laughing, to let everyone know how "evil" she really is. The term "camp before it's turned" applies.

All in all, Forman's take on Laclo's tale is worth a look. Some have even preferred his version over Frears, but I like a cobra to have it's fangs intact, the way nature intended. May 18, 2008

Valmont

This version feels much more European than "Dangerous Liasons", and I prefer this cast of mostly Brits. I prefer Bening as the lead since her beauty hides her devious nature, Tilly is more convincing as a young french maiden, and Firth is more gallant and charming than Malkovich (who isn't?). Foreman's version is less darker in mood than "DL" and plays more like an authentic light 18th century comedy than Hollywood. Foreman is the master of capturing 18th century Europe (as in Amadeus)! April 16, 2008

very good movie

Just the list of actors in this movie should be enough to get you to buy it....Colin is wonderful and I have to say Annette Bening is as well. The pair make this film electric. I loved the plot, but, was very disappointed with the ending. I do understand why it was that way. Must see to understand. Don't hesitate to buy this movie. March 7, 2008

The best version of the story

This adaption is by far my favourite, but you can look it up on imdb if you want a movie review. I'll just speak about the DVD, which looks good and sounds good. It is hurting for extras, but I suppose there either isn't enough demand or there's no one available for things like commentaries. You do get what you pay for, though-this was a great buy for its cost. February 2, 2008

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