DANGEROUS LIAISONS

Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Keanu Reeves, Uma Thurman

Warner Bros.; Directed by Stephen Frears

Rated R; 123 minutes; 1988

Since its publication, readers of the French classic, Les Liaisons Dangereuses have been fascinated by the nimble sexual gamesmanship of the beautiful Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close) and her ex-lover, the Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich). The Marquise, whose pleasure is to manipulate and sabotage the love lives of her "friends," loses her standing in society when her intentions are brought to light in this ostentatious drama.

Reviews

"A triumph of great artistry and distinction. Lavish and hypnotic like a Faberge spider web. The finely tuned cast work in perfect harmony."

- Rex Reed, "TEN BEST" LIST

"A spellbinder. A seductive, scary, savagely witty look at the unchanging way of the world. Don't expect Masterpiece Theater gentility. This baby bites! Close gives a juicy, jolting performance destined to become widely celebrated."

- Peter Travers, PEOPLE MAGAZINE "TEN BEST" LIST

"Literate and sumptuous. You'll be mesmerized. It is all masterful."

- Bruce Williamson, NEW WOMAN

"A spellbinding masterpiece—played with a fatal attraction. Decadence has never been more bewitching. This is the movie of the year."

- Guy Flatley, COSMOPOLITAN

"Unsettling, titillating and one of the year's great teases. Michelle Pfeiffer is radiant. Glenn Close has the role of the career."

- Marcia Pally, PENTHOUSE

"Nasty, decadent fun. Close is chilling—in a performance of controlled venom, she's superb. Malkovich's snaky charm is both droll and potent."

- David Ansen, NEWSWEEK

"A glittering duel. The production design and costuming are ravishing. Michelle Pfeiffer's scenes with John Malkovich have genuine trembling eroticism."

- Sheila Benson, LOS ANGELES TIMES

"Intelligent, witty, entertaining decadence. Malkovich's intelligence and strength shape the audience's response. Nothing Miss Close has done before approaches the richness and comic delicacy of her elegant performance."

- Vincent Canby, THE NEW YORK TIMES

"Delicious. A truly magnificent performance by John Malkovich. Close and Pfeiffer are perfect in their roles."

- John Richardson, DAILY NEWS