Editorial Reviews and
DVD Information about
Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) (200-Minute Version in French)
Description
The beautiful Madame de Merteuil (Deneuve) seeks vengeance when her ex-lover tells her that he is now engaged to her young goddaughter, Cécile (Sobieski). She turns to her partner-in-crime, Valmont (Everett), famous for his reputation as a Don Juan to seduce Cécile. Valmont gets sidetracked when he goes to visit his aunt and falls for Madame Tourvel (Kinski), a virtuous, married woman who knows of his womanizing ways, but that only makes the challenge more exciting to Valmont. Together, Madame de Merteuil and Valmont make a dangerous team and they will stop at nothing when it comes to matters of the heart.
Amazon.com
This visually sumptuous adaptation of the classic French novel of seduction, betrayal, and revenge stars the great Catherine Deneuve (Repulsion, Belle de Jour) as the scheming Madame de Meurteuil, who--to get back at a man who spurned her for a younger woman--persuades her equally amoral friend Valmont (Rupert Everett, My Best Friend's Wedding) to seduce the young woman in question. Thus begins one of the most intricate and hypnotic plots every orchestrated; it's no wonder Les Liaisons Dangereuses has been adapted into film so many times. This 2003 French miniseries starts with cars, costumes, and music from the early 20th century, then rapidly becomes more modern. More stylish than passionate; still, the villainous orchestrations will suck you in. Also featuring Nastassja Kinski (Tess, Cat People), Leelee Sobieski (The Glass House), and Danielle Darrieux (8 Women). Jean-Paul Gaultier costumed Deneuve. --Bret Fetzer
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Customer Reviews for
Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) (200-Minute Version in French)
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Enjoyed immensely. Had seen the versions with Glenn Close, Jean Morreau and Annette Bening, as well as the opera composed by Conrad Suza and performed at the San Francisco Opera with Frederica von Stade. It is interesting how well all versions were adapted to the original. I even saw the play in London and recently in New York. I feel the lead roles are truly villainous.....and I love seeing revenge take its course when the bad person gets it in the end. This plot is great fun. I feign from seeing the US teen versions Cruel Intentions which number three movies, but I may give in someday and watch them.Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) (200-Minute Version in French)
Pas assez.
Je trouvais ce film bien réalisé, Catherine Deneuve est "trop" comme la salope maline et séduisante. Son rôle est semblable à celui qu'elle jouait dans "Belle de Jour" il y a 30 ans. Voilà pourquoi il est tellement dommage que l'histoire originale par Laclos ne se soit pas achevée. A la fin du film on a l'impression qu'il aurait dû être un autre rouleau.
Ivas MorganLes Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) (200-Minute Version in French)
You Can Have it Both Ways: Deneuve and Close
The good thing about this 2003 version is that I kept thinking it was "very current," but it is set in the 1960s. I mean to say that the evil theme and accompanying drama are ageless. The version by Glen Close and John Malkovitch is the standard to me. However, the Catherine Deneuve and Rupert Everett version shines uniquely in its own way. Thus, both versions are exquisite interpretations of a notorious story. This review is about the Short Version in English, not the long version in French.
I have read some reviews here and there on this version that say that Deneuve is not believable as a sex object. My response is that she could be if she was ever a sex object to you. For instance, when she acted in Belle de Jour, or when she was the face for Chanel Couture in the 80s. Thus, the vestige of that profound beauty is preserved in her slightly bloated body and weary face. To me, real beauty is that kind that ages, yet maintains some of the original vitality and aura of its former self. Catherine does this. Moreover, this production emphasizes how lust is absolutely enhanced by wealth, luxury, and power. It is then credible why teenage boys may want to have an affair with a woman old enough to be their mother. That phenomenon can be compared to drinking a 50-year-old cabernet or merlot. What wine connoisseur could resist???? Either sex, when precocious, appreciates instruction from a master. Valmont desires Madame de Merteuil because she is no longer accessible, because she is a master seductress, and not because she is sexy (although the average heterosexual male will find her sexy). She was a very rich, very powerful woman in Haute Parisienne society, which is comparable to heroin to some. Predators thrive on conquests.
Deneuve is splendid in her Gaultier costumes and, to me, she ages much better than did Grace Kelly/ Princess Grace.
There was a very aggravating flaw in the technical aspect of this version (the 200 minute English), as Catherine's dubbed dialogue always seemed to be one or two syllables off. I chose to ignore this.
Also, for the very bad human behavior, or Valmonts and de Merteuil's dangerous liaison, to be based on Madame de Merteuil's bitter jealousy makes perfect sense to me. First, Valmont and Merteuil are already "ruined" spiritually having been using people as pawns for a long time, and themselves being used, so there were no moral scruples that could have been expected of them anyway. In reality, evil for the sake of evil is perfect balance to good for the sake of good. You cannot have good without almost an equal amount of evil. C'est La Vie.
Note: An important distinction between the Glen Close and Deneuve versions is that Rupert's Valmont acts out his revenge against Madame de Merteuil in greater detail than did Malkovitch's Valmont. Rupert systematically moves among the other characters in an attempt to redeem himself particularly for the damage done to innocent Marie Tourvel (Nastassja Kinski), whom he fell in love with unexpectedly (by fate) and foolishly destroyed by caprice.
Valmont/Rupert feels that death is a form of release from the torment of remorse and says: " . . . to bring about your ruin (i.e. Madame de Merteuil) has brought me no consolation. My proposal to be your friend or your foe was also meaningless, each individual is first a victim of himself."
If you can believe in Divine Retribution, then we can see intervention from God, who caused Valmont to fall in love with one of his victims during, perhaps, the most dangerous game he has ever played. So, ideally, he can never have the love that he would desire, because love is not a virtue suited for the wicked. I perceive it will be the most impossibly desired "concept" in hell by the damned, where longing will exceed the agony of fire. Christians know that Jesus values love, joy, peace, virtue, etc. greater than diamonds and gold. These are his treasure, and are jealously guarded. Christ allows lust (fake love) to proliferate among the wicked, but NEVER love.
I don't think I will ever be able or even want to seriously criticize any version of LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES, as this story is a masterpiece that defines how we can sometimes get into a relationship easily that turns out to be impossible to exit without unseen personal damage or destruction.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) (200-Minute Version in French)
Outstanding
This DVD is absolutely captivating. It's an adaptation Of
Choderlos de Laclos' book written in the seventeen hundreds.
Directed by Josee Dayan for TV in 2003 I believe. He did an amazing job of bringing the story to modern times. If you love
intrigue, deception, jealousy, sex and pure evil, you will adore this DVD with its magnificant color and scenery. It's just a wonderful film and you will love it. If I could,
I would give it ten stars.Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) (200-Minute Version in French)
Josée Dayan's Exquisite Updated Adaptation
This review refers to "Les Liasions Dangereuses" - 270 minute extended edition(Wellspring DVD)...
I love this story and try to see every version of it that comes out. This one made in 2003, by the wonderful Josée Dayan, is purely exquisite. This tale of deadly seduction is updated and adapted to the 1960's. A good choice by the director, as we get to see it played out differently and although much closer to the present, still gives that feel that 40 years ago, the moralities of the key players might still have been considered a bit of a shocker.
In this update, the story revolves around a Center For the Arts, that is run by none other then the woman we all love to hate, Madame de Mereuil. She and long time, on and off again lover, Valmont scheme and connive to destroy relationships and lives. Revenge is Madame's wish, and Valmont is only too happy to comply with her wishes, knowing that she will be his reward in the end. He is the best when a seduction is at hand. But things get complicated for Valmont, when his heart takes an unexpected turn towards Madame Tourvel. Innocent bystanders, the young Cécile de Volanges and virtuoso musician Raphael Danceny, also get pulled into the web of deceit. Valmont wants out though, and must find the weakness that will put an end to Madame Merteuil. It's a marvelous tale of wickedness.
Now, I know some may agree with me that no one can compare to John Malkovich's take on Valmont, but I must say, that Rupert Everett is quite convincing and actually, physically, takes on the look of the devil himself. And who else but Catherine Deneuve, could follow an act like Glenn Close. Deneuve's take is a little different, she gives Madame a multi-faceted personality that at times is even likeable. So we, the audience, get drawn into her schemes as well. And she is so beautiful, even now, one can hardly take their eyes off of her.
Nastassi Kinski as Madame Tourvel and Leelee Sobieski is Cecile. Both turning in excellent performances. Danielle Darrieux, is Valmont's wise Aunt, who seems to see all.
It's an excellent production. Beautiful and vivid colors that take you back to the 60's. Fabulous costumes, and scenery. Presented in widescreen(anamorphic) and 5.1 Sound in French with English subtitles. It's a three part production. Each part on a separate disc, each running about an hour and a half. Be sure to catch the lengthy conversation with Dayan in the special features.
Play the game once more in this absolutely mesmerizing update.
Merci Beaucoup....Laurie
Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) (200-Minute Version in French)
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