Directed by:
Stephen FrearsCinematography:
Philippe RousselotComposer:
George FentonCast:
Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Swoosie Kurtz, Keanu Reeves, Mildred Natwick, Uma Thurman, Peter Capaldi, Harry Jones, Joe Sheridan (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
DANGEROUS LIASONS is Stephen Frears' terse adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos' famous epistolary tale about the sexual machinations of two jaded eighteenth century French aristocrats. In order to get revenge on a man who jilted her, the wicked Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close) persuades a former lover, the rakish Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich), to deflower the man's virginal young fiancee (Uma Thurman). Valmont agrees, but presents the Marquise with his own challenge: if he succeeds in seducing a virtuous young wife known for her unshakable fidelity, Madame de Tourvel (Michele Pfieffer), the Marquise must grant Valmont a night in bed. The cold-blooded twosome proceed gleefully with their heartless scheme against the stunning backdrop of aristocratic France, displaying high stakes sexual gamesmanship and deceitful cunning. When the Valmont succeeds in seducing the virtuous Madame de Tourvel, the pair unexpectantly realize they have fallen in love, tragically defying the rules of the inhuman game, much to the horror of the cruel Marquise de Merteuil. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
Academy Awards
- 1989 - Christopher Hampton (Best Adapted Screenplay)
- 1989 - Best Achievement in Production Design
- 1989 - Best Achievement in Costume Design
- 1989 - Best Motion Picture of the Year
- 1989 - Glenn Close (Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role)
- 1989 - Michelle Pfeiffer (Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role)
- 1989 - George Fenton (Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score))
British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)
- 1990 - Michelle Pfeiffer (Best Supporting Actress)
- 1990 - Christopher Hampton (Best Adapted Screenplay)
- 1990 - Stephen Frears (Best Director)
- 1990 - Glenn Close (Best Leading Actress)
- 1990 - Philippe Rousselot (Best Cinematography)
- 1990 - Best Editing
- 1990 - George Fenton (Best Music)
- 1990 - Best Costume Design
- 1990 - Best Make Up/Hair
- 1990 - Best Production Design
César Awards
- 1990 - Best Foreign Film