Valmont

The story of Liaisons Dangereuses has been told several times on film. Since '89 there have been no less than 3 versions. The gourmet, the fast food, and the junk food. Valmont is the gourmet. Some people don't like subtlety, so try the Malkovich or Ryan Philippe versions. This one has me enthralled from start to finish. Annette Bening and Colin Firth are at the top of their game. Milos Forman shows his absolute mastery here. I couldn't recommend a film more enthusiasticly.

Unfortunately, "DANGEROUS LIAISONS" beat VALMONT to the cinemas and sank this wonderful film. Under Milos' cheeky and underplayed direction comes the game of deceitfulness by toying with human emotions. Pleasing to the eye with grand sets and costumes helped by the stunning photography. It's the bawdy adventures of Valmont (Colin Firth suited perfect for the role), and Merteuil (Annette Bening showing that she can act without Warren Beatty), that amuses you greatly.

"Valmont" ventures into the decadence of 18th century French aristocracy where Firth (Valmont) and Benning involve themselves in wickedness and sexual intrigues. The film, one of several spin-offs of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, is well cast and acted (though the absence of French accents is obvious); sets and costuming lavish; scenery sumptuous; and the screen play and script excellent. The 2+ hour run passes swiftly though the end seems to want for something more. A fun romp for those into period films.

I can't really see how Dangerous Liaison can be considered to be the better movie of the two (Valmont and Dangerous Liaison both being based on the same book). I think Dangerous Liaison is about as interesting as a dead fish, while this has passion, feeling, and a better director (Milos Forman is a genius!). Even the cast is better, even if the other movie features more "stars". Colin Firth is exceptional, as always, as is Annette Bening and Meg Tilly. Fairuza Balk is also great, and the scene where Valmont seduces Cecile is a classic! I'd give it 10/10!

After many adaptations, it seems very easy to write all was said. And this is the truth. But the gift of Milos Forman, in this case, remains the wise option for cast. Colin Firth gives a more than beautiful Valmont. Annette Bening is just...fantastic. And the young Henry Thomas gives all the ingenuity of Danceny. Fabia Drake reminds more the old ladies from 1930 - 1940 films. So, just delightful in same measure for short portraits of French society front to Revolution.

Valmont is a very entertaining romance set in the upper classes of 17th century France. Valmont, the title character, is a rogue and womanizer. He is very likable, but has a terrible flaw; he can't love, and that is his ultimate undoing. Milos Forman and his crew expertly recreate the world of baroque France. The actors are excellent especially Colin Firth as Valmont. The pacing is lively, as Valmont's world unravels, or at least gets away from him. Lots could be written on the psychology of Valmont, and its relationship to that of the modern Western man. And the movie works on that intellectual level, but it also works as a period-piece costume romance. I recommend it.

Annette Bening has proved again what a versatile actress she is. She positively emanates cruelty and perverseness in this film, but she is the epitome of sweetness in "American President" and fragility in "American Beauty." The pleasure her character takes in causing others' pain makes one easily imagine her reincarnated as a Gestapo torturer. Colin Firth is, as usual, handsome, charming, and believable. Fairuza Balk completely captures the confusion, excitement, and naiveté one would expect of a girl reentering the world after years in a convent. Meg Tilly shows a depth that I hadn't expected and Fabia Drake is wonderful as the hard-of-hearing, elderly, but wise, matron. The costumes and sets were exquisite and evoked the period completely. I highly recommend this for the performances and the ambiance.