tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post3936643584834720688..comments2023-10-23T17:00:26.532-04:00Comments on The Clever Pup: Valmont vs Dangerous LiaisonsThe Clever Puphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198739825136188378noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-50427422427840206432019-06-11T18:17:58.289-04:002019-06-11T18:17:58.289-04:00I can't agree that Valmont was better. Not on...I can't agree that Valmont was better. Not one of the actors had a bit of the charisma of Dangerous Liaisons. It was Malkovitch's very reptilian look and borderline psycho emotionlessness that make his falling for Michelle Pfeiffer's etherial Madame Marie de Tourvel so much richer than vapid Colin Firth and horribly unattractive Meg Tilly (what DID anybody see in her throughout the 80s?) Plus the lush 18th century settings and costumers were far better than Valmont's high school drama club look. The acting in DL was far better overall with a classier cast and apparently a much bigger budget.DannyJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-6194016966051433262018-04-24T06:12:43.946-04:002018-04-24T06:12:43.946-04:00I think the essential difference between Dangerous...I think the essential difference between Dangerous Liaisons and Valmont was this:<br /><br />The characters of Valmont and Merteuil are liars. Now, how does an actor play a liar? <br /><br />Frears directed Malkovich and Close to deliver the lines where the characters are lying with an arch irony, and the score by George Fenton ominously rumbles menacingly in the background to each scene, in order to clue the audience in that the characters are being deceitful. The audience is always in on the scheming of Valmont and Merteuil and is never in any doubt as to their level of sincerity.<br /><br />Forman directs Firth and Benning to play the scenes in which Valmont and Merteuil are lying with the same level of intensity as the scenes in which these characters are telling the truth, and he often has no musical underscore at all for these scenes - so it’s possible that the audience (if they haven’t read the book) might be taken off guard along with the other characters. <br /><br />My first impression of “Dangerous Liaisons” was that the supporting cast were complete idiots for being taken in by Close and Malkovich given how OBVIOUSLY evil these two came across onscreen... whereas it was much more plausible that the supporting cast of “Valmont” would be taken in by the outwardly charming Firth and Benning, who were much more subtly insidious in their manipulations. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-39525796044048693662014-09-12T10:43:12.760-04:002014-09-12T10:43:12.760-04:00Both films attempt a realistic portrayal of baroqu...Both films attempt a realistic portrayal of baroque pre-napoleonic France based on a famous novel. Dangerously edges out on all aspects, set design, costumes, direction and acting by the main cast (except Keanu) but especially true in the main character of Valmont played by John Malkovich and Colin Firth. The character Valmont is a detestable and undermining womanizer who meets his match in the face of true love. Malkovich's cold and cunning characterization beats out Firth's warm and bumbling portrayal any day of the week. The later (firth) is perhaps more fun to watch being far less reviled but more unlike the true character of Valmont.<br /><br />The imdb and rotten tomatoes comments and ratings are always a true evaluation of a film when taken together ,not apart and given ample time after a film is released. Both films are equal on imdb while Dangerously edges out Valmont 93 to 90 percent on tomatoes. Pretty accurate consensus if you ask me.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12319230823864295782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-10028627214845397912012-04-14T00:47:59.577-04:002012-04-14T00:47:59.577-04:00I like both movies equally for different reasons. ...I like both movies equally for different reasons. <br /><br />Overall Valmont has a more whimsical quality to its manipulations.<br /><br />I prefer Thurman to the younger girl in Valmont (she's more of a woman), Tilly to Pfieffer (I just like her portrayal more), and Benning to Close, and its a close call.<br /><br />Weird, I only recently realized they were the same story - but when I did, I felt stupid!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-79982290281532419902011-10-20T21:41:05.318-04:002011-10-20T21:41:05.318-04:00Dangerous Liaisons (1988), is infinitely better, b...Dangerous Liaisons (1988), is infinitely better, best actors, costumes, adaptation.<br />A great movie....Robertnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-54161856330118818412011-04-18T18:10:09.635-04:002011-04-18T18:10:09.635-04:00chacun à son goût, oui?chacun à son goût, oui?The Clever Puphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07198739825136188378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-48606788999210883422011-04-18T15:51:48.272-04:002011-04-18T15:51:48.272-04:00From what I have read, a lot of people seemed to d...From what I have read, a lot of people seemed to dismissing the 1988 film, due to their belief that Malkovich isn't attractive. That's it?<br /><br />For my money, I'd take "DANGEROUS LIAISONS" over "VALMONT" any day. I'm sorry, but Forman's movie simply lacks bite.The Rush Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13667282586023023623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-83343679490859240192011-04-18T05:18:11.100-04:002011-04-18T05:18:11.100-04:00Well, interesting comments by all..... I have seen...Well, interesting comments by all..... I have seen all three versions, the Rupert Everett, the Colin Firth and the John Malcovich. What I would say is that as this is a story that has sex at its core, then Valmont surely needs to be physically attractive - especially as he is so emotionally unattractive. My fave is the Rupert Everett version which is closely followed by Colin Firth. John Malcovich although an amazing actor just isn't pretty enough, and the rest of the cast were a bit too 'Hollywood' to provide enough edge. That said, what a story!Cat Wnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-9933871764165088162011-04-11T14:17:03.333-04:002011-04-11T14:17:03.333-04:00Yeah great film!
Short PoemsYeah great film!<br /><br /><a href="http://marinelareka.com/" rel="nofollow">Short Poems</a>Motivational Poemshttp://marinelareka.com/?category_name=motivational-poemsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-63751006974175582172009-08-04T05:30:26.634-04:002009-08-04T05:30:26.634-04:00I prefer Dangerous Liasons over Valmont. Though I ...I prefer Dangerous Liasons over Valmont. Though I also like Colin Firth, in this one however, the winner is Malkovich. His acting is amazing and perfect!Something's Dishyhttp://somethingsdishy.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-59758069816274393492009-08-03T20:51:24.426-04:002009-08-03T20:51:24.426-04:00Have seen both but unaccountably have not seen Val...Have seen both but unaccountably have not seen Valmont in the past few years (I like the novel & play). So along with willow, I just put it in Netflix queue. I didn't find the French version referenced above but still looking elsewhere. <br /><br /><br />Thanks for this!<br /><br />xoGiuliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06569643363733791671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-3481994968510318452009-08-03T14:43:29.888-04:002009-08-03T14:43:29.888-04:00come and collect an award on my blog!come and collect an award on my blog!tonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03746435400444226665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-67919559244369846432009-08-03T10:32:16.157-04:002009-08-03T10:32:16.157-04:00I love the work of Milos Foreman and can't bel...I love the work of Milos Foreman and can't believe I've not seen Valmont. I'm adding it to my Netflix queue right now. Thanks for the recommendation, Hazel.<br /><br />Regarding your comment on my blog, your comments are always read and very much appreciated. Your delightful blog is one of my faves! :^)Tess Kincaidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04889725786678984293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-83199400603493899582009-08-03T10:05:31.378-04:002009-08-03T10:05:31.378-04:00I will have to find the French version David Engel...I will have to find the French version David Engel references. I love Catherine Deneuve and Rupert Everett. Interestingly enough, when I researched the Colin Firth/meg Tilly angle, I read that Firth and Everett have a not so friendly rivalry as actors. It was not explained but another bit of coincidence.<br /><br />I hope I can find the French version in Netflix.California Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12582691517303132274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-72764726210167608792009-08-03T04:19:20.839-04:002009-08-03T04:19:20.839-04:00I've never heard of this film but I'd take...I've never heard of this film but I'd take Colin Firth over John Malkovich any time so will have to check this one out. Thanks!Jelicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15903146833019745969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-19553944840445393972009-08-02T19:12:00.131-04:002009-08-02T19:12:00.131-04:00My favorite is the french made for TV version whic...My favorite is the french made for TV version which takes place in the late 50's - early 60's, with Catherine Deneuve as Madame Merteuil and Rupert Everett as Valmont. They were both so evil! Anyone who loves this story should be sure not to miss this. The great cast also features Nastassia Kinski as Madame Tourvel, and Leelee Sobieski as Cecile Volanges. <br /><br />The soundtracks to this film have also been interesting. Jazz great Art Blakey did the older black and white version. The french TV version also had a very good, eerie soundtrack. Was it Badalamenti or Morricione?<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />David<br />http://www.globalaroundtown.blogspot.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00064021788741350871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-76857194517763047252009-08-02T18:08:36.082-04:002009-08-02T18:08:36.082-04:00I can't believe I've never seen this film,...I can't believe I've never seen this film, Firthfanatic that I am. Doesn't Meg Tilly look as if she emerged from under a leaf? Pure wood nymph.Sandra Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12052047359365369942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-53698964928203179052009-08-02T16:53:23.780-04:002009-08-02T16:53:23.780-04:00Looks sexy!Looks sexy!Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07916082283840019000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-12020732298197464182009-08-02T15:29:48.435-04:002009-08-02T15:29:48.435-04:00Poetikat - yes! I thought all the parts were cast ...Poetikat - yes! I thought all the parts were cast better. Fairuza Balk was completely believable.<br /><br />Dogimo - I could hardly believe the trailer either. The beginning, anyway. Is that what we were doing 20 years ago.<br /><br />CG - Yes Tilly and Firth were a couple for a while - they have a son Will. She writes, has troubling personal issues and her own blog.The Clever Puphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07198739825136188378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-41377404675163209352009-08-02T14:32:56.640-04:002009-08-02T14:32:56.640-04:00That was an interesting piece. I saw "Danger...That was an interesting piece. I saw "Dangerous Liasons" but have never seen "Valmont". I did not like the first one much; I was irritated by the loathsome bored aristocrats and John Malkovich creeps me out in everything he does. <br /><br />Colin Firth is an extremely likeable actor and I can't imagine him playing against type so I'm thinking his depiction would be more appealing if such a character can be appealing<br /><br />Question: when you write about Firth & Meg Tilly, did you mean they ran off together in real life? I'd not heard that either and I've always wondered what happened to Meg Tilly. Her sister is such a scream and, apparently, one hell of a poker player.California Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12582691517303132274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-74639547969230013782009-08-02T13:33:23.380-04:002009-08-02T13:33:23.380-04:00Oh, my goodness. I can't get over that trailer...Oh, my goodness. I can't get over that <i>trailer.</i><br /><br />Were they still doing trailers like that then?<br /><br />It just seems so <i>strange.</i><br /><br />But you can see the film glimmering underneath all the narration and goofily too-jaunty music! Thank you for the recommend, and reminder that I'd wanted then to see this. I miss so many films in the theater and never come back around to them like it seems it would be so easy to do.dogimohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278980067086209626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-65079299946767740612009-08-02T12:38:18.094-04:002009-08-02T12:38:18.094-04:00Just one more thing; I thought Fairuza Balk did a ...Just one more thing; I thought Fairuza Balk did a much better job of playing the ingenue, didn't you?<br /><br />It really is SO good! Well, of course, after "Amadeus", Forman had to try and maintain his appeal.<br /><br />KatKat Mortensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16877694888419628533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-3983129543419415082009-08-02T12:36:07.973-04:002009-08-02T12:36:07.973-04:00P.S. I first saw Bening in "The Grifters"...P.S. I first saw Bening in "The Grifters"...that is a great movie as well(much different, however).<br /><br />KatKat Mortensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16877694888419628533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696282824996152237.post-83360032857104610582009-08-02T12:35:00.790-04:002009-08-02T12:35:00.790-04:00I've seen them both (Valmont, many times) and ...I've seen them both (Valmont, many times) and I'll take Firth over Malkovich any day of the week! Milos Forman's direction is stellar and there is so much humour and giddiness in Valmont. It's a feast for the senses and talk about titillating! the scene with Annette Bening in the bath is fabulous! Makes me want to go out and buy the film just to watch it again now.<br /><br />KatKat Mortensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16877694888419628533noreply@blogger.com