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movie review - Dangerous Liaisons

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

This was the previous film adaption of the French novel that also spawned the entirely less worthy Cruel Intentions. The only other thing linking the two is the presence in both of Kurtz, who played a bit part in the opening scene in Intentions, and who plays Thurman's mother in this period piece set in 18th century France.

The movie is about two dueling aristocrats, whose playing field is the aristocracy. Explaining the plot in detail would be tedious, so I'll summarize it as: Two wealthy scumbags manipulate innocent parties that pass through their lives. Along the way, they ruin some lives, and besmirch some others.

It's quite enjoyable, with Malkovich and Close perfectly cast in the lead roles. Reeves is amusing in the unchallenging role as a music tutor who plays the fourth part in one of the two complicated affairs that rage on. One oddity is that the pace is a little strange, and I wonder if this wasn't derived from a stage play.

Not recommended.