Movie Review by Bill Rendall

Dangerous Liaisons

The devil finds work for idle hands. Dangerous Liaisons is set in France just before the Revolution. John Malkovich and Glenn Close play decadent aristocrats who fill their idle time with evil schemes and deeds.

Dangerous Liaisons was directed by Stephen Frears and the screenplay was adapted by Christopher Hampton from his play. It is an attractive looking period piece and won Academy awards for art direction and costumes. However, this is not necessarily a movie for fans of authentic costume drama. The main actors are American rather than European and don't disguise this.

Malkovich and Close are an interesting casting choice in the lead roles. They are not the most beautiful of Hollywood actors. I think they work well in their roles as they demonstrate that beauty is not the only means of seduction. They both give deliciously wicked performances.

Michelle Pfeiffer plays a character torn between good and bad. Malkovich causes her to abandon her formerly virtuous ways. At the same time there is a glimmer of hope that her good influence may reform Malkovich's immoral ways.

For the first time in his life Malkovich feels the pangs of love and remorse. However, Close observes that Malkovich's vanity will not allow him to enjoy his chance of happiness. Malkovich takes pride in his reputation for being a master seducer of women without feeling an emotional attachment. He breaks off his relationship with Pfeiffer in a most callous manner and thereby loses all hope of redemption.

Dangerous Liaisons is a morality tale and I am pleased that the bad guys get their just desserts in the end. Close and Malkovich play with people's lives and leave a trail of misery in their wake. The movie ends with an effective shot of Close removing her make up. This symbolises that her dark hidden secrets have been exposed. Things also end badly for Pfeiffer as she cannot live with herself for having given in to temptation.

Dangerous Liaisons has a long and interesting history. It was originally written as a novel in the 18th century and quickly gained notoriety. A movie version was made in 1959. In 1987 it was presented as a play by Christopher Hampton. In 1989 it was remade as Valmont. I highly recommend Frear's version.

Director: Stephen Frears

Screenplay: Christopher Hampton

Music: George Fenton

Further viewing:

Cruel Intentions updates the time frame of Dangerous Liaisons to the present. Although Cruel Intentions lacks the subtle performances of Dangerous Liaisons it is probably more accessible to a new generation and the moral message is worth retelling. Swoozie Kurtz plays a similar supporting role in both movies.

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