Dangerous Liaisons is a period drama starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer, based on the novel and play Les liaisons dangereuses (the former by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and the latter by Christopher Hampton). Set in 18th century France, it follows the Marquise de Merteuil (Close) and the Vicomte de Valmont (Malkovich) as they engage in detrimental games of decadence and private pastimes replete with repulsive pleasure and perversity. With any medium of entertainment, it is always the outré characters that intrigue and even captivate us into wholly engaging in that medium. Dangerous Liaisons is no different but the characters take a more detestable mien. But Christopher Hampton and Stephen Frears (the scriptwriter and director respectively) take on a subtler approach to the film's primary subjects: sex and seduction. Although, in the end, we find that the key themes revolve around ardour and more evidently, betrayal. Close is nearly great as Merteuil but the bona fide performances came from Malkovich and Pfeiffer. Malkovich has a certain perverse charm to him that, although appears slightly unfitting to the majority of the roles he has played in his career, fits well with the character of the Vicomte. The naturality of Pfeiffer's performance is what sets her apart from the rest of the cast. The film won three Academy Awards (Oscars), for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction, all well deserved wins.The film however lacks a certain punch. Frears is a good director on his own right and the film is languorous but the deficiency of gusto and if I may say so, a level of confidence points out to how it is not as compelling as it may seem. There arises a slightly incidental feeling in us as we indirectly notice the director hesitate to take risks that could have great payoffs (if done right) and instead dismiss himself from anything that may break the seeming perfection of his film. There's something odd about that.All in all, Dangerous Liaisons is an interesting film but not as irresistible as Valmont was to many of his past preys...

This movie is a true classic. Personally, I do not think that Malkovich, Close and Pfeiffer ever topped these performances. The plot is well-known: an evil pair of aristocrats (Close, as Marquise de Merteuil and Malkovich, as Valmont) enjoy revenge against whomever did them wrong. Said revenge often involves destroying the spotless reputation of honest women. Moving in the very decadent world of French aristocracy just before the revolution was like walking in a mine field, therefore all their plotting is very sophisticated and deadly.Merteuil is the more evil character and also - as a woman - the more oppressed. A multifaceted personality, both pitiful and repellent. Valmont is a superficial and world-weary cynical who finally fells in love, only to destroy both the object of his affection and himself.Much was written about Malkovich not being handsome enough for the part, but for sure he plays seduction without any problem, despite his less than attractive features. Pfeiffer is the amazingly beautiful Madame de Tourvel. Her perfect face is so luminous that the love she inspires even in a despicable character as Valmont is perfectly believable. Not only beautiful but good-hearted she is clearly destined to end badly in such a corrupt environment. The side plot involves the seduction of a frisky virgin played by an equally beautiful Thurman and the demise of a naive music teacher, plays by Reeves.With perfect settings, incredibly beautiful costumes and top performance this sophisticated movie should have won multiple Oscars. The fact that it won only 3 in minor categories and Close did not get it as Best Actress is again proof of how aleatory and unfair Oscars distribution is.

I have no idea what to think about Dangerous Liaisons. When I saw this film, I was multitasking so I wasn't paying complete attention. But from what I gathered, it's quite dark, cold, seductive, and a little boring. Perhaps it is due to being a romantic period piece which I generally despise. But I did admire the past half hour as we see these vile, cruel intentions of the main characters hit the fan. The ending is great though, so I will give the film that.Stephen Frear's adaptation of a 1787 French novel is a tale about seductive revenge. There is the Marquise de Merteuil who is livid at her breakup, so she hires a man named Vicomte de Valmont to seduce a soon-to-be-married bride named Cecil de Volange in order to get one night with her. As the seduction begins, Vicomte begins to develop feelings for her which will only make matters complicated.The film is well-acted. Glenn Close delivers a fine performance as the cruel and malice Merteuil. John Malkovich is excellent as always as the seductive Valmont. Michelle Pfeiffer does a decent job as Volange. We also get some decent supporting turns by Keanu Reeves and Uma Thurman.Overall, Dangerous Liaisons is a dark and cold tale about the dark side of seduction. In order to gain a greater appreciation of the film, I may have to take a second viewing. This is not the kind of story that appeals to me, but I could not resist the critical acclaim. I do admire the acting, but I especially admire the costume design and the production design. If romantic thrillers are your kind of thing, this is the perfect kind of film for you. Maybe I'll grow to love the film, but for now it's merely decent. I rate this film 7/10.

In pre-Revolutionary France, the Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close) plots revenge against Bastide who aims to wed young virgin Cécile de Volanges (Uma Thurman). Merteuil tries to convince the Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich) to seduce Cécile but Valmont is busy seducing the married Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer) famous for her virtue. Merteuil offers a night with her as reward for Cécile's seduction.It is a period piece alive with sexual tension. It is deliciously seductive. It is not old and dusty. Rather it is energetic and modern. The sexual manipulations and deceptive games give a greater edge to any modern romantic melodrama. Close and Malkovich are terrifically corrupt. Pfeiffer is excellent in the less showy virtuous role. Thurman plays the innocent ingénue. The acting is all top notch. The production is first rate directed by Stephen Frears.