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Reel Dad:
May 1, 2008
Each week, the Reel Dad looks for a film for parents to share with children. Some of the reviewed films are new; some are classics; all are selected for their “nutritional value” as part of a family’s movie experience. This week, the Reel Dad takes a fresh look at the classic film
, Dangerous Liaisons.
by MARK SCHUMANN
Father of Three
The opening of the revival of
Les Liaisons Dangereuses on Broadway brings to mind the Oscar-winning film version of the play, simply titled
Dangerous Liaisons, from 1988. Few works for the stage have been as effectively reimagined for the screen as this dazzling film adaptation of Christopher Hampton’s exquisite play. While the film is not appropriate for family viewing it is, for older teenagers, an excellent introduction to the marvelous world of theater on film.
Dangerous Liaisons is, in fact, a textbook study of how to translate a play to the screen. On stage, as the new Broadway version beautifully displays,
Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a rich study of the devious morality of French aristocrats in the 18th Century. Its witty, biting dialogue tells a classic tale of a brittle woman who arranges a mean-spirited revenge so she can get even with people who have hurt her over the years. She manipulates a would-be suitor to destroy the lives of several men and women while reinforcing her stature as a primary ruler of romantic Parisian arrangements. In a series of extended scenes over 2-1/2 hours, the play explores the emotional makeup of people who sincerely believe that everything is fair in love, and that love is war.
What thrives on stage — especially in the new version produced by the Roundabout Theater — is the emotional content and pulsing rhythm of the dialogue. What beautifully works on film, however, is how these extended stretches of dialogue are carefully trimmed, shifted and placed in sumptuous visuals to create a thoroughly entertaining, fast-moving look at the lives of those romantic of mind and evil of heart.
Director Stephen Frears carefully avoids the temptation to preserve all of Hampton’s dialogue. Instead, he brilliantly dissects and rearranges the play, following his strong visual sense to tell as much of the story through image and expression instead of relying on the dialogue that is necessary on stage. Rather than simply “opening up” staged sequences — such as artificially placing an interior conversation into an exterior setting — he carefully rethinks how each sequence can use striking visuals to dazzle the eye while emphasizing the brittle dialogue to sting the ear. Rarely has a film adaptation worked so perfectly on screen while maintaining the integrity of the source. Frears translates the core of the piece to a new medium without letting his respect for the original limit the movie.
Of course, Frears has a perfect cast. Glenn Close internalizes the devious intentions of the leading lady in a thrilling collection of expressions and glances. It is a movie crime that this rich, layered performance was bypassed for the Best Actress Academy Award in favor of Jodie Foster’s one-dimensional portrayal in
The Accused. Close grounds the film in a humanity of spirit that reaches well beyond the potential artificiality of the character in a powerful creation of a woman who uses love and sex as a weapon for revenge. John Malkovich matches Close in intensity and evil as the pawn in her romantic chess game and, bringing sincerity and warmth to key supporting roles, Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman shine in early screen performances.
We are lucky, in this corner of the world, to have access to the wonders of the New York stage. Certainly the new revival of
Les Liasons Dangereuses will bring audience attention to this memorable work. Thank goodness it also reminds us of the fabulous film version which can add spice to your movie menu.
Note to Parents:
Dangerous Liaisons offers an excellent study of what it takes to make a successful film from a successful play. Certainly anyone who has seen, or will see, the play on stage will be interested in the film. What makes this movie so good is how well it works as a film for those who never read the original novel by Choderlos de Lacios or saw the play. Its mature content, and partial nudity, do not make it a choice for family viewing. But its treatment of adult issues is so sharply observed that older teenagers will find it very entertaining.
Film Nutritional Value:
Dangerous Liaisons
* Content: High. The film offers a fascinating study of just how evil people can be when they seek personal revenge..
* Entertainment: High. The dialogue is rich, the characters are multi-dimensional, the action is swift, and the visuals are stunning.
* Message: High. Beneath the entertainment lies an important reminder that people can experience lasting hurt when the targets of evil action.
* Relevance: High. Older teenagers face, every day, situations where “getting back” at someone could be tempting. In an exaggerated way, this film shows what can happen when people take that idea too far.
* Opportunity for Dialogue: High. Certainly the conventions of the period will be of interest and, more important, the message of the permanent impact of revenge.
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