Compare and contrast the two films, Dangerous Liaisons and Cruel Intentions, which are based on the same novel.
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This movie is the perfect depiction of the power of the male ego. It is also a reflection of the cruelty of a woman’s heart once broken.
The book, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, written by Choderlos de Laclos was originally written in epistolary form. This means that the entire book consisted of letters.
Interestingly enough Swoosie Kurtz, who plays Madame de Volange, went on to play Dr. Greenbaum in Cruel Intentions, the modern retelling of Dangerous Liaisons. In both films, Valmont seduces her daughter.
Following are some details of the film:
Tagline: Lust. Seduction. Revenge. See the game played as you've never seen it before.
Plot Outline: Set in France, 1788. The Marquise de Merteuil, Glen Close needs a favor from her ex-lover, Vicomte de Valmont, John Malkovich. Her ex-husband is planning on marrying a young, virtuous, woman called Cecile de Volanges, Uma Thurman. The Marquise would like Valmont to seduce Cecile before her wedding day. Meanwhile Valmont has a conquest of his own in mind, Madame de Tourvel, Michelle Pfeiffer, a beautiful, married, and God fearing woman. The Marquise doesn't think that Valmont can do it, she tells him that if he can provide written proof of a sexual encounter with Madame de Tourvel, that she will offer him a reward, one last night with her.
Directed by: Stephen Frears
Writing Credits: Christopher Hampton
Genre: Drama/Romance
Cast:
Glenn Close : Marquise de Merteuil
John Malkovich : Vicomte de Valmont
Michelle Pfeiffer : Madame de Tourvel
Swoosie Kurtz : Madame de Volanges
Keanu Reeves : Chevalier Danceny
Mildred Natwick : Madame de Rosemonde
Uma Thurman: Cecile de Volanges
Peter Capaldi : Azolan
The movie runs 1 hour and 59 minutes.
Academy Awards Won:
Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Best Costume Design
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium
Best Actress
Best Music, Original Score
Best Picture
Best Supporting Actress
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