Valmont

Had this film on DVD, but due to its lavishness, I wanted to upgrade it to a Blu-ray. Unfortunately, that meant I had to import a region locked (A) US disc as it's not released in Europe. Directed by Milos Forman; One Flew Over the Cuckoos' Nest; Hair & Amadeus being amongst his better know American films, the version of "Dangerous Liaisons|" is, I think, superior to the film directed by Stephen Frears. -Not that he did a bad job of directing, but casting in "Valmont", appears far more believable. Annette Bening marvellously plays the role that was Glenn Close part. She appears less harsh and therefor more seductive and believable. Likewise is Colin Firth a superior choice to the very esteemed actor John Malcovich; -you have little trouble in imagining him bedding every woman who takes his fancy. Meg Tilly matches a very excellent Michelle Pfieffer, but crucial it iis the young lovers parts that "Valmont" has got so right. Uma Thurman, though excellent never quite looked young and innocent enough for the part of Cecile. Fairuza Balk is totally convincing in that part. And Henry Thomas (Eliot in E.T.) acts rings around the rather wooded Keanu Reeves.The set design is an absolute marvel to behold and this film should be far better known than its counterpart.A commentary track; and an interview (a very good one) with Milos Forman + a trailer rounds up the extras. But don't forget, in Europe, you'll need a multi-region player to savour this film on Blu ray.

Lovely

This is a totally different interpretation of the 'Liaisons dangereuses' novel. There is less detail in the events and dialogue; the atmosphere is more relaxed and homely, less intense; the structure more open not claustrophobic.The plot focuses on Valmont and he is played believably by Firth as an imperfect young man, not a sex machine on legs.Mertuil is shown as a much more tender, capricious figure than we see in the more popular 'Dangerous Liaisons'. Neither she nor Valmont seem like monsters or secret prostitutes; only weak ammoral humans who get hoist by their own petards.We see Merteuil first as a social figure kind, happy, trusted and young. She is dumped by her lover and this triggers her lust for revenge; the relationship with Valmont is played down. He falls in love at his aunt's chateau - Lovely to see Gabrielle Drake in a very rare appearance [Love her voice] as the ever so slightly confused aunt.I found that the story line got lost as the denouement approached. Why Valmont went to duel as he did is not clear. What happened to the disgraced married lover he was in love with is also not clear - though plainly she survives what is here shown as a very open and torrid affair. And the disgrace of Merteuil is certainly underplayed.Despite excellent costumes - though Merteuil in several scenes wore the same outfit - hardly extravagant! - and a delightfully french 18th century feel to the photography and scene setting - the film left me dissatisfied. It was certainly created with intelligence and real thought but I suspect that the writers were not able to hold together the complexity of the relationships.But definitely worth seeing and enjoying!

What a beautiful film this is to watch! The actors are great, the costumes and sets are gorgeous, and the story is told in a light hearted tone with a healthy dose of humour. Despite her devious scheeming, Annette Benning's Merteuil is such a tease that it is a joy to watch her, and Colin Firth also plays Valmont with a twinkle in his eyes. Right to the end this is a character who enjoys life to the last and makes a joke of the most serious things.Fairuza Balk is well cast as the naive young bride Cecile, and Siân Phillips as her watchful mother is pure gold. Also worth mentioning is Fabia Drake as the elderly Madame de Rosemonde, who looks like she might die any minute, but who proves to be very much alive and still full of mischief.The DVD is fine, picture and sound are decent. The entire film is great fun and very watchable (and re-watchable). Highly recommended for a couple hours of escapism. And: You do get to see Colin Firth in a wet shirt!

This is not a movie cast in terms of 'the american movie product' with all its clichés and star personality enhancements regardless of story lines. This is beautiful ensemble playing of a series of intriguing events through its orchestration by a superb european director. It has the right european feel and the right european contexts - and in spite of the american actors - retains a definite european integrity. Aesthetically it absolutely cannot be faulted - it is a feast for the eyes throughout. I think the final resolution leaves a little to be desired, but the film certainly maintains its integrity to its comic/tragic ending. All the performances are brilliant in their own ways though I have never seen Annette Bening as glitteringly exquisite as in this movie. And if perhaps at first Colin Firth's performance might appear somewhat stolid, it therefore manages all the better to contrive his camouflage as a seriously dangerous seducer.

I saw this movie in the cinema when it came out and it's a work of art...but whoever engineered this DVD has totally destroyed it. The sound is so bad I had to stop watching after only 2 minutes and the picture quality isn't much better. Milos Foreman would be appalled what has been done to one of his most beautiful films.