feedingbrett’s review published on Letterboxd:
Review In A Nutshell:
I am not an enthusiast for period pieces, particularly the ones set in Europe during the pre-20th century; this is mainly because I haven't yet been properly exposed which makes it difficult to indulge these set of films. This would be my first time experiencing Dangerous Liaisons, and from it I can distinctively say that comparing it to the other films similar to it, it is certainly not the best but far from the worst.
Dangerous Liaisons' plot is not as simple as I thought, as the film sets it up through dialogue exchanges between the two leading protagonists, Marcquise and Vicomte, and is delivered with such intensity in its content that I find it hard to keep myself up. It was clear to me at the start that the film's strengths are found in its characters, not its plot, but because of the script's rapid delivery of its content, which I wasn't prepared for; it was difficult for me to find myself comprehensively immersed. Thankfully, as I went through it, I was able to pick up enough details that I was able to remain somewhat orientated with the film. I certainly would be giving this film another watch someday, in order for my feelings towards the film to be truly solidified.
The aspect that impressed me the most was Stephen Frears', the film's director, ability to have me feel immersed in its atmosphere. The film mainly takes place indoors in order for the film to remain intimate and vulnerable, but this restriction also would have made it difficult for the audience to be drawn into the period that this film was set in; fortunately the film was able to counter-act this through the beautiful and immaculate costume and set design, in supporting this would also include the graceful camera-work which certainly shows the director's influences; Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon to name a few.
Though I wasn't able to touch the characters in the level that I hoped, I was able to sincerely feel the power of their performances. John Malkovich was superb in this film, at first I was sceptical that the man could pull off the role, but as the film progressed I was able to see just how manipulative the character is. While Glen Close was also great, I felt her performance here was just a tad shorter than her effort in the much more simple but powerful film, The Big Chill. There were some instances, particularly during the film's final act where it is clear why she was nominated for Best Actress by the Academy, but I would have preferred it to be more spread throughout this 2 hour film. Michelle Pfeiffer's performance was strong but nothing close to the power that the other two leads have delivered.
Dangerous Liaisons was certainly a difficult film to invest in but its visual aesthetic was so absorbing that it kept me engaged.