greg888

Since discovering this film, it has since become one of my all-time favorite period pieces. There is a unique combination of lightness and frivolity on one hand, and the very darkest side of love, deception and manipulation on the other. Foreman's "Amadeus" also was an elegant period-piece which brought the extremes of comedy and drama together brilliantly. The highlights of this film, for me, must begin with Annette Bening. After all is said and done this is her movie. She is absolutely radiant. There is a remarkable breadth in her character. . . she displays a sweet sensitivity towards Cecile's innocence and you sense that she longs to return to that kind of experience in love. And yet she has turned cold, bitter, and resentful through her real life experiences with love. There is much more to be said. . . Colin Firth as Valmont is funny, charming, and very sly. His 'old aunt' is a treasure. Fairuza Balk (who I loved in her debut 'Return to Oz') well portrays the anxiety, anticipation and awkwardness of all teenagers starting to embrace love. The locations and costumes are lucious. There are the inevitable comparisons to 'Dangerous Liaisons,' also a very entertaining film. Personally, I think there's no need to compare them. They're both excellently written and acted. However, since 'Valmont' was missed by many, it needs to be brought to the attention of those who haven't yet had

this is one of the most original movies ever. I have become a major Zemeckis fan. . . back to the future, roger rabbit, contact . . . one of the most original directors in american film. there are a staggering number of little details in this movie..... some shots are only on screen for a second, but are visually astounding. this kind of attention to detail and storytelling evokes the kind of direction of a Kubrick or Polanski. the script is wicked, the acting is extremely entertaining. . . with bruce willis in his most surprising role. of course, one of Zemecki's trademarks is sophisticated integration of special effects..... and the effects here rank with his best...... also, it is my favorite of all his films. this is a classic dark com

this is a remarkable movie. burton and o'toole together -- is a can't miss deal from the start..... keep in mind that this is a movie made 35 years ago, and was adapted from the stageplay. the staging and pace of the movie is slow, much like you'd see in on stage. but as all the relationships in the movie develop, there is so much to savor. one of my favorite scenes is where O'Toole confronts his barons (in an overly dramatic fashion) with his dilemma: he is being torn apart by his love of, and rejection from Becket. as the barons nod to each other and leave to destroy Becket, O'Toole looks up, suddenly having regained his composure..... and you see that he (the king) was really just putting on a good show of acting! O'Toole finds a very fine line between he (the actor) and the king's penchant for melodrama. Burton is totally convincing at the end of the film as a man who has truly given his life to God.