Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) (200-Minute Version in French) [DVD]

First and foremost, this movie is beautifully filmed. The art director obviously had a ball with the sets, clothing, and other period details. He or She put a lot more care and detail into every scene than I would have expected, and it's a delight to watch. I find myself peeking into every nook and corner-. And the cars! Even if this movie was terrible in every way, it would be worth watching (or skimming) just to see the 1960's Rolls Royce, Maserati, Bentley and other gorgeous vintage European cars. Divine music: Motown, blues and a bit of rock and roll. This movie intentionally moves at a slow, even pace, and the richness of the period details help keep the mind and eye occupied. I'm not exaggerating by much when I say that this movie could be viewed with the sound off. It's like looking at a high-end fashion catalog from the early and mid-1960's - if you like that sort of thing (which I do).Secondly, I think it's important to keep in mind that that this book was not originally written as either a morality tale or critique of ancien regime aristocrats. The fact that it's interpreted that way speaks only of our contemporary sensibilities. Valmont's death is pointless, and Merteuil loses nothing except her position within the demi-monde. Like Versailles the characters in this movie exist in an amoral plane. Common notions of morality simply do not apply to these aristocrats. The very rich (like the very poor), have nothing to lose.Third, this is a very funny movie if viewed with a certain amount of irony. I'm glad this version doesn't psychoanalyze the characters - Everyone is exactly what they seem to be. If the characters were complex and 3 dimensional, watching the slow sadistic manipulation, seduction and disposal of other lifelike characters would be unendurably painful. As it is, it's comical. I can only smile and laugh at their breathtaking cruelty. One of my favorite scene is when Valmont's aunt Rosamonde tells him that Tourvel has left because he is making her suffer so. Biting his thumb and with a look of sheer demonic glee he asks "Is she really suffering?" Very very funny. But only because he is, existentially, a predator and nothing else. The director studiously avoids delving beneath the surface of these characters. True to the source material, (and life at Versailles) appearance is the only reality.This movie is beautiful to look at, and it's a lot of fun to watch the audacity with which these cold, emotionally bleached aristocrats ruin others and themselves for no good reason (other than sheer boredom).

a little dissapointing, even though deneuve simmers beautifullyand everett holds his own.....not as god as previous version with malkovitch

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.

This is not a great film. It is long, and a bit tired. The sets, the clothes, and the cars are all indeed sparkling. The music is well-played. The color, the taste, the smell, all exude authenticity. Well then, why the mediocre review?Catherine Deneuve is indeed old. A bit heavy. And not a temptress physically. But I had no trouble with that....part of the theme is that men are easily manipulated, eager to be used, and can be led by their privates. She does so. No, where this film flops is the big change-of-heart transition. I have not read the book, and I thought the Malkovich version dreadful. But I did see a stage version set in pre-revolution France that was absolutely stunning, among the most impressive plays I've ever seen. And the notion so beautifully portrayed there was that the decadence and abuse of these amoral pigs was the cause of their society's collapse. It did not need anything other than their victims to rise up and say "No more." Here we need an unconvincing change of heart in Valmont. Why, if he is so easily manipulated, does he start to love? He has never demonstrated anything other than a puppy-dog desire to return to Catherine Deneuve's bed. Will do anything, say anything, hurt anyone. (And why does he want this...was she that good?) But we never see why he changes. Lots of horse riding, lots of sweeping landscapes, but what does he think? No idea.And a rather contrived twist is necessary to bring Madame de Merteuil down, a twist I found obnoxiously convenient. No, the seeds of death are in the behavior itself, and this tale does not even acknowledge that possibility. Fate and an unconvincing change of heart do the work.

Almost perfect. A very good adaptation, beautiful and nasty. I am happy to add this to my library, where it will remain a favorite.

I purchased movie from Steelhead Enterprises and did not realize I was missing so much of the movie until the credits appeared (SURPRISINGLY enough). I discovered that I had received ONLY disc 2 - missing discs 1 and 3 - only 85 minutes viewed -- EXTREMELY disappointed!!!!

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 Morgan