The book
Les Liaisons Dangereuses, originally written by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos in 1780s France, has been translated into numerous languages, as well as for stage, radio, television, and screen.
The story centers around the Marquise De Merteuil's request to her former lover, Valmont, to seduce Cecile, a young aristocrat who is set to marry another of her lovers. Valmont declines, stating it is too easy, and that he has set his sights on a real challenge: get the honourable Madame de Tourveil to break her marriage vows during her husband's absence. Merteuil bets a night with herself that he will fail. Things get more complicated when Valmont changes his mind regarding Cecile after her mother warns de Tourveil of his reputation, while Merteuil takes on the young girl's love interest as her own. Once Valmont manages to win their bet, Merteuil reneges on her promise, the two become enemies, and plot one another's downfall.
The late 1980s saw not one, but two English versions of
Les Liaisons Dangereuses hit the big screen; the first,
Dangerous Liaisons, was based on a theatre version by Chris Hampton, directed by Stephen Frears and starring John Malkovich, Glenn Close and Michelle Pfeiffer. The second was directed by Milos Forman and starred Colin Firth, Annette Bening and Meg Tilly. Interestingly, the two versions, while sharing the same plot line differ drastically.
Valmont is selfish and childish, but utterly charming, at least played by Firth; Malkovich's portrayal is much more sinister, cold and calculated, a man who only really smiles with the conquering of a human spirit. Likewise, Close, as the Marquise De Merteuil, is cunning, cruel, and takes great delight watching the distress of others. Bening's portrayal of the Marquise, while vengeful and vindictive, is also witty, high-spirited, and affable; she appears to ensure trust and friendship to her 'victims.' Tilly and Pfeiffer both play Madame de Tourveil; Tilly's characterisation is vulnerable, innocent, and naive, while Pfeiffer's is more articulate, astute and stronger-willed. I admit to loving both versions, and have watched them repeatedly. Dangerous Liaisons comes across as more structured, with a clearer motive and plot, but the sets are darker and the characterisations are less multidimensional that Valmont. Valmont is lush, colourful, playful, and much more joyful; I understand why Madame de Tourveil ruins her marriage because of Valmont, and why Cecile takes the Marquise as her confidante. They are real people who are flawed, and weak. Does it mean I prefer Valmont? Not necessarily; the two films are equal, but different. Next time a rainy day threatens to keep you inside, try one, or both, films, and make your own decisions!
Pat
