Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

In 18th century France, a calculating aristocrat (Glenn Close) asks her former lover (John Malkovich) for his help in revenge against her latest lover who has abandoned her. She wants him to seduce the man's intended bride (Uma Thurman), who is a virgin. Based on the play by Christopher Hampton (who adapts his play for the screen) by way of the oft filmed novel LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES by Choderlos De Laclos and directed by Stephen Frears (MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE). A juicy screenplay, vital direction by Frears and generally superb performances (save one) elevates this above the usual dull and prissy "tasteful" BBC Masterpiece Theatre vibe so many period costume dramas have. In her best screen performance, Glenn Close displays just the right subtle balance of corruption and faux sincerity. This is not a woman you want to mess with. Alas, while he has many good moments, Malkovich can't restrain himself. If he had a mustache, I'm sure he'd twirl it. His corruption is so obvious that it renders Michele Pfeiffer's hapless victim as a backward twit for believing anything he might say. Fortunately, Pfeiffer's performance is good enough to overcome that fault. The Oscar winning production design and art direction by Stuart Craig and Gerard James is amazing as is James Acheson's breathtaking costume design. With Keanu Reeves, Mildred Natwick and Swoosie Kurtz.