Twin Films #25 Dangerous Liaisons vs Valmont

Thank you for doing this one!

I'm glad this poll appeared some time after I watched Valmont (which was quite recently) because after a period of pondering I've decided that Dangerous Liaisons is indeed a bit better, although the two are about equal in my eyes overall. Forman's version definitely dives into the feeling of the period more while Frears's engages you more in a dramatic way. I have to give the edge to Dangerous Liaisons because one of the few slight disappointments I had with Valmont was its ending which just doesn't quite pack a punch, whereas the DL ending is one for the ages.

This is a case of where negatives become positives - particularly casting - you almost never, ever want "perfect" casting because that's quite boring and somewhat stupid - that in a way eliminates the actor contributing anything most of the time.

But Dangerous Liasions scores many points in counter ways - in that Frears extracts usually a single quality in his actors that defines the story. In a lot of ways it is Malkovich who is the key here - too modern seeming on the surface and yet oddly right on target and reptilian.

There was a video on this board once that talked about how Malkovich was never formally trained so he didn't know how to drink, walk, bow, in period etc. - any of that, and who cares? - he was theatrically trained so he knew how to speak, threaten, react, and shape the text - he quite literally looks like he could rape Pfeiffer here or break her neck and he emphasizes the phrasing exactly right so that we get it too.

He also seems physically unsteady - from being morally bereft - when he is outside the room - foreshadowing the ending with Close's acting and Frears makes sure you also notice the (sad) shadow behind him too. There's a lot more thought in every way in the Frears film.

I have some issues with the actors in dangerous liaisons looks wise. The two leads aren't attractive enough (not complaining about acting) and Thurman doesn't look like a teenager (not to mention she's too tall for a French girl in that era).
Pfeiffer is the only good casting imo.