Description: Based on the classic novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, this delectable thriller stars Colin Firth (Bridget Jones's Diary) and Oscars® nominee* Annette Bening (American Beauty) as embittered aristocrats who weave a wicked web of cruel intentions and savage seductions. Directed by Oscar® winner** Milos Forman, Valmont is a darkly amusing period drama that issimply a piece of high entertainment (The Hollywood Reporter). In 18th-century France, a cruel and calculating playboy, Valmont (Firth), makes a malicious wager with the equally wicked Madame de Merteuil (Bening): Valmont must dishonor the married Madame de Tourvel (Meg Tilly) by sleepingwith her. If Valmont succeeds, he gets the privilege of Merteuil's bed as well. But when Valmont sets out on his task, the unexpected happens...he falls in love with Tourvel! And now Merteuil will stop at nothing to destroy Valmont's newfound passion. *1990: Supporting Actress, The Grifters; 1999: Actress, American Beauty *1975: Director, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest; 1984: Director, Amadeus
Amazon.com: Talk about too little, too late. A year after Stephen Frears's marvelous Dangerous Liaisons, Milos Forman released this film, based on the same material: the novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Shot at the same time but held so as not to compete, it suffered by comparison. The story--about a pair of aristocrats, former lovers, who wager that the man cannot seduce a particularly chaste woman--is still awash in lust and intrigue. But, while Forman's craft was exceptional, his cast couldn't match the power of its predecessor. In particular, Colin Firth, as the game-playing title character, lacked the snaky charm of John Malkovich, and Meg Tilly couldn't compare to the tragic beauty of Michelle Pfeiffer. Annette Bening, though born to play a vixen, seemed callow and insubstantial next to the sinister depths of Glenn Close. --Marshall Fine
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - "One must always honor a bet."
This lavish retelling of Les Liaisons Dangereuses stars Annette Benning as the Marquise de Merteuil, a nasty aristocrat who delights in manipulating those around her. She is outraged when her lover makes ... Read More
Rating: - A warm, pleasent yet a seductive story never fails to take the viewer all the way back to its time!
Beautifull costumes and sets are usually what are found in films depicting the 18th century France. A perfect cast and moreover every single individual delivers a sattisfying performence. Brilliant performeces ... Read More
Rating: - The Art of Seduction
Both "Valmont" and "Dangerous Liasons" are fabulous films. I personally prefer "Valmont". The casting for this film is fantastic. Colin Firth makes a much more charming and handsome `Valmont' who knows how to use ... Read More
Rating: - Odd Interpretration of a Classic
Chadores Laclo's "Les Liaisons Dangerous" was given another go around in 1989's "Valmont." Director Stephen Frears had finished his definitive version "Dangerous Liaisons," about six months before. "Valmont" is a ... Read More
Rating: - Valmont
This version feels much more European than "Dangerous Liasons", and I prefer this cast of mostly Brits. I prefer Bening as the lead since her beauty hides her devious nature, Tilly is more convincing as a young french ... Read More
- A warm, pleasent yet a seductive story never fails to take the viewer all the way back to its time!
- Odd Interpretration of a Classic