Dangerous Liaisons Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two bored aristocrats in France make a bet about ruining people’s lives, and then everyone dies, except the one who gets publicly shamed.

🍿 Dangerous Liaisons: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Dangerous Game Begins

In 18th century France, the Marquise de Merteuil, a cunning widow, proposes a scandalous wager to her former lover, the Vicomte de Valmont. Merteuil wants Valmont to seduce the young and innocent Cécile de Volanges, who is about to marry the Comte de Gercourt, a man Merteuil despises, as revenge. If Valmont succeeds, Merteuil promises him a night with her, reigniting their past passion.

Valmont’s Pursuit of Madame de Tourvel

Valmont, however, finds the task of seducing Cécile too easy and sets his sights on a more challenging conquest: Madame de Tourvel, a virtuous and married woman known for her piety and strong moral character. He sees seducing Madame de Tourvel as a ultimate test of his skill and charm. Merteuil is skeptical, believing Tourvel is too virtuous to succumb to Valmont’s advances.

Intrigue and Manipulation

As Valmont attempts to seduce Madame de Tourvel, he uses manipulative tactics and calculated charm, slowly chipping away at her defenses. Meanwhile, Merteuil continues to weave her web of intrigue, manipulating Cécile and Danceny, Cécile’s music teacher and secret lover. The two begin an affair, unbeknownst to Cécile’s mother or Gercourt. Valmont manages to get close enough to Cecile as well.

The Downfall of Tourvel

Valmont eventually succeeds in seducing Madame de Tourvel, leading her to abandon her principles and succumb to her desires. The affair, however, has unforeseen consequences, as Valmont finds himself genuinely falling in love with Tourvel. This unexpected development complicates his agreement with Merteuil and ignites her jealousy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close): A calculating and manipulative widow who uses seduction and betrayal as tools to control her social world and exact revenge.
• Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich): A notorious libertine who engages in a dangerous game of seduction with the Marquise, ultimately leading to his downfall.
• Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer): A virtuous and devout married woman who becomes the target of Valmont’s seduction, leading to her emotional devastation.
• Cécile de Volanges (Uma Thurman): A naive young woman whose innocence is exploited in the schemes of the Marquise and Valmont.
• Chevalier Danceny (Keanu Reeves): A young music teacher and lover of Cécile, manipulated by the Marquise, who gets caught in the web of deception.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Marquise de Merteuil: “I’ve no intention of being like other women, content to be controlled.” – Explaining her motivations for seeking power and control in a society that limits women’s agency.
• Marquise de Merteuil: “It’s beyond my control.” – Valmont repeats this line several times throughout the film, each time the meaning becoming darker as he loses control.
• Marquise de Merteuil: “Win or die.” – Her personal motto, encapsulating her ruthless approach to life and relationships.
• Madame de Tourvel: “Those who are most worthy of love are never made happy by it.” – Said with tragic awareness during the heartbreaking confession to Valmont’s aunt about the nature of men and love.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $34,670,720
• Worldwide Gross: $34,670,720

💥 Dangerous Liaisons Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into this movie. The costumes and sets are stunning, but it’s the performances that really make it special. Glenn Close is absolutely magnetic as the Marquise, and John Malkovich is perfectly cast as the sly, calculating Valmont. The ending really hit me hard, especially seeing the consequences of their actions play out so dramatically. I will need time to process.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate witty dialogue and complex characters”
  • “Those interested in films exploring themes of power, manipulation, and morality”
  • “Audiences seeking thought-provoking and emotionally engaging stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Manipulation”
  • “Implied Sexual Assault”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A brilliantly wicked and beautifully crafted tale of manipulation, seduction, and betrayal. Glenn Close and John Malkovich deliver career-defining performances as the film delves into the dark heart of the French aristocracy.
• Variety: “A sumptuous and compelling adaptation of the classic novel. Michelle Pfeiffer’s vulnerable portrayal of Madame de Tourvel adds emotional depth to this cynical game of lust and revenge.
• The New York Times: “Stephen Frears directs with a keen eye for detail, bringing the opulence and decadence of 18th-century France to life. The film excels in its exploration of power dynamics and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.

Audience Reactions

Glenn Close’s performance is unforgettable and makes you root for her even when she’s being terrible.: The costumes, set design, and overall atmosphere are incredible, perfectly capturing the time period.

The complex relationships and power struggles between the characters are fascinating to watch unfold.: The film is thought-provoking and explores deeper themes about society, gender, and morality.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and intellectually stimulating adaptation of a classic novel, with outstanding performances and a compelling exploration of human nature.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)- 1989
2. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 1989
3. Academy Award (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration)- 1989
4. BAFTA Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1990

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “When the novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” by Choderlos de Laclos was first published in 1782, it was considered so scandalous that when Queen Marie Antoinette commissioned a copy for her personal library, she had to have it bound in a blank cover.”
• “Michelle Pfeiffer received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Madame de Tourvel.”
• “The film was shot entirely on location in France, in historical buildings to enhance the authenticity of the 18th-century setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dangerous Liaisons?

Dangerous Liaisons is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check listings for availability in your region. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) can also be purchased online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dangerous Liaisons, you might like these similar films:

• Valmont (1989): Another adaptation of the same novel, offering a different interpretation of the characters and events.
• Cruel Intentions (1999): A modern retelling of Dangerous Liaisons set in a high school, exploring similar themes of manipulation and seduction.
• The Favourite (2018): Explores the power dynamics and manipulation within the court of Queen Anne, similar to the scheming in Dangerous Liaisons.
• Amadeus (1984): Explores themes of jealousy, manipulation, and power dynamics in a historical setting.

🛒 Dangerous Liaisons Related Products

• Dangerous Liaisons (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine, remastered Blu-ray edition of the film with exclusive features, essays, and behind-the-scenes content for the ultimate collector.
• Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos: Read the book that inspired the movie. Available as a Kindle edition.
• Dangerous Liaisons Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster to display your love for the film.
• Dangerous Liaisons: The Complete Collection: Show your appreciation for the classic movie Dangerous Liaisons with this unique t-shirt that is comfortable and durable, perfect for everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dangerous Liaisons features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Cetra Op. 9, Concerto No. 9” – performed by Antonio Vivaldi
• “Ouverture” – performed by Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Glenn Close Breaks Down Her Career, from ‘Fatal Attraction’ to ‘101 Dalmatians’ | Vanity Fair

Ever wonder how Glenn Close prepared for her iconic role in Dangerous Liaisons? She breaks down her entire career in this interview, and her insights into that movie are absolutely fascinating. You won’t believe the depth of her preparation!

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