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- Robert Harris
One cannot help but wonder, knowing the facts, what Choderlos de Laclos might have thought of the Dangerous Liaisons war?
We can't ask, as he died in 1803. In 1782 he authored one of the most famous French novels of the era, Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
It was not for another 107 years that two directors would somehow get the idea to create beautifully crafted film versions of the book, within a year of one another, but apparently both in prep at the same time, but one, Dangerous Liaisons, taking an early lead, as it was based upon Christopher Hampton's play, adapted from the book.
From Roger Ebert's review of Valmont:
"We were in the middle of our script already when they announced their version, based on the play,"Milos Forman was remembering the other day. "Of course we immediately learned they were rushing into it very fast. With the concept I had, we all knew I couldn't be faster. We couldn't beat them. So, I was expecting a call from the producers saying, `Sorry, Milos, we can't take the risk.' The call came. They asked me, `Does it really bother you that another film is going to be made?' I said of course not. And I felt like, god, Hollywood is still crazy. That's good."
As always, his consideration of the film is a terrific read, and you can find it here:
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19891112/REVIEWS/911120301
It had been filmed before, in 1959 by Roger Vadim, and later, a contemporary take, as Cruel Intentions. But it is Stephen Frears' Dangerous Liaisons, and Milos Forman's Valmont, that were produced within a year of one another. Dangerous Liaisons arrived first, in December of 1988, and Valmont a year later.
They are generally considered to be equals in terms of quality, but basic story aside, could not be more different, and both are worth your attention.
Warner's new Blu-ray release is the earlier of the two, and the new Blu-ray, while possibly not a brand new transfer, is totally appealing, with no downside. Color densities, shadow detail, and stability of image are all high end. The track, as is now the norm, is uncompressed DTD-HD.
Dangerous Liaisons is a beautifully crafted film, with sets and costumes that are spectacular.
What a perfect time for a Blu-ray release of Valmont as a companion piece.
A beautiful film of 18th century sexual intrigue.
Highly Recommended.
RAH
We can't ask, as he died in 1803. In 1782 he authored one of the most famous French novels of the era, Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
It was not for another 107 years that two directors would somehow get the idea to create beautifully crafted film versions of the book, within a year of one another, but apparently both in prep at the same time, but one, Dangerous Liaisons, taking an early lead, as it was based upon Christopher Hampton's play, adapted from the book.
From Roger Ebert's review of Valmont:
"We were in the middle of our script already when they announced their version, based on the play,"Milos Forman was remembering the other day. "Of course we immediately learned they were rushing into it very fast. With the concept I had, we all knew I couldn't be faster. We couldn't beat them. So, I was expecting a call from the producers saying, `Sorry, Milos, we can't take the risk.' The call came. They asked me, `Does it really bother you that another film is going to be made?' I said of course not. And I felt like, god, Hollywood is still crazy. That's good."
As always, his consideration of the film is a terrific read, and you can find it here:
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19891112/REVIEWS/911120301
It had been filmed before, in 1959 by Roger Vadim, and later, a contemporary take, as Cruel Intentions. But it is Stephen Frears' Dangerous Liaisons, and Milos Forman's Valmont, that were produced within a year of one another. Dangerous Liaisons arrived first, in December of 1988, and Valmont a year later.
They are generally considered to be equals in terms of quality, but basic story aside, could not be more different, and both are worth your attention.
Warner's new Blu-ray release is the earlier of the two, and the new Blu-ray, while possibly not a brand new transfer, is totally appealing, with no downside. Color densities, shadow detail, and stability of image are all high end. The track, as is now the norm, is uncompressed DTD-HD.
Dangerous Liaisons is a beautifully crafted film, with sets and costumes that are spectacular.
What a perfect time for a Blu-ray release of Valmont as a companion piece.
A beautiful film of 18th century sexual intrigue.
Highly Recommended.
RAH
