Picspam: Cruel Intentions (1999) vs. Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Cruel Intentions vs. Dangerous Liaisons
So for anyone who has seen both movies, you probably noticed that Cruel Intentions really is a very faithful adaptation. Practically every scene had a corresponding one in Dangerous Liaisons; most of the characters and even some of the names as well . They even share a cast member, Swoosie Kurtz who played Madame de Volanges in Dangerous Liaisons and Sebastian's therapist in Cruel Intentions.
There was a bit of a renaissance for teen movies in the late 90's, especially teen adaptations of classic literary plots. Taming of the Shrew became 10 Things I Hate About You. Emma became Clueless. She's All That was sort of based on Pygmalion. Anyways, this is just a comparison of the original Dangerous Liaisons (set in 18th century France) and its teen remake Cruel Intentions (set in the modern Upper East Side).
I guess if you're unfamiliar with either movie, here's a rundown of the cast/characters:
Cruel Intentions
Sebastian Valmont: Ryan Philippe
Kathryn Merteuil: Sarah Michelle Gellar
Annette Hargrove: Reese Withersppon
Cecile Cadwell: Selma Blair
Mrs. Cadwell: Christine Baranski
Ronald Clifford: Sean Patrick Thomas
Dangerous Liaisons
Vicomte Sebastien de Valmont: John Malkovich
Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil: Glenn Close
Madame Marie de Tourvel: Michelle Pfieffer
Cecile de Volanges: Uma Thurman
Madame de Volanges: Swoosie Kurtz
Le Chevalier Raphael Danceny: Keanu Reeves
The Introduction
Kathryn Merteiul: I know this will sound corny, but, whenever I feel the temptation of peer pressure, I turn to God and he helps me through the problem.
The Wager
Vicomte de Valmont: You see, I have no intention of breaking down her prejudices. I want her to believe in God and virtue and the sanctity of marriage, and still not be able to stop herself. I want the excitement of watching her betray everything that's is most important to her. Surely you understand that. I thought betrayal was your favorite word.
The Meeting
Annette Hargrove: I just think people shouldn't experience the act of love until they are in love and I just don't think people our age are mature enough to experience those kinds of emotions.
The Music Teacher
Kathryn Merteuil: Cecile, everybody does it; it's just that nobody talks about it.
The Seduction
Vicomte de Valmont: I was in love, for the first time in my life. I knew it was hopeless, but that didn't matter to me. And it's not that I want to have you. All I want is to deserve you. Tell me what to do. Show me how to behave. I'll do anything you say.
The Update
Kathryn: Can I take my new car for a ride?
Sebastian: Kathryn, the only thing you'll be riding is me.
The Conquest
The Manipulation
Kathryn: Oh, that's right, I forgot, you're so in love. Do you honestly believe you've done a complete 180 in the few days you've known her? Well let me tell you something, people don't change overnight. You and I are two of a kind. At least I have the guts to admit it. You were going to leave school a legend, now you're going to leave a joke.
The Break-Up
Sebastian: You know nothing. You don't even know me! The fact of the matter is, there is someone I love. You don't even compare to her.
The Humliation
Performance-wise, I thought Ryan Philippe really channeled John Malkovich in mannerisms. Selma Blair's Cecilia bordered on over-the-top though and I definitely found Uma Thurman's naivity more convincing.
So... Thoughts? Do you prefer one version over another?
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Tom and Summer, 500 Days of Summer
Carl and Ellie, Up
Spock and Uhura, Star Trek
Victoria and Albert, The Young Victoria
The Cast of Rob Marshall's 'Nine'
Memorable Dresses in Film
Derek-Meredith-Addison Triangle, Season 2 of Grey's Anatomy
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Fashion
Inglourious Basterds: Operation Kino Dresses
Inglourious Basterd: Christoph Waltz as Colonel Landa (aka The Jew Hunter)
My Current Personal Oscar Ballot
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