Dangerous Liaisons

Dangerous Liaisons

Year: 1988

Runtime: 119 min

Language: French

Director: Stephen Frears

DramaRomance

In the midst of 18th-century decadence, a calculating game unfolds between two cunning lovers: the enigmatic Marquise de Merteuil and the suave Vicomte de Valmont. A cruel wager is made, with the fate of innocence hanging in the balance as they manipulate and seduce their way through a tangled web of desire and deception.

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Timeline & Setting – Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Dangerous Liaisons (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Pre-Revolutionary Period

This time period is marked by social inequities and the looming discontent that would eventually lead to the French Revolution. The stratified society creates a breeding ground for manipulation and deceit, as characters exploit the prevailing norms to navigate their ambitions, ultimately culminating in dramatic consequences for all involved.

Location

Pre-Revolution Paris

The film is set in the lavish and sophisticated milieu of pre-Revolution Paris, a city noted for its opulence and the vibrant cultural life of the aristocracy. This era is characterized by glamour and intricate social dynamics, where the elite engage in elaborate games of seduction and power, often masking their true intentions behind a veneer of civility.

🏰 Historical 🌍 City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Main Characters – Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Meet the key characters of Dangerous Liaisons (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Marquise de Merteuil (Michelle Pfeiffer)

The Marquise de Merteuil is a cunning and manipulative noblewoman, determined to exert power over her former lover and his fiancée. She is skilled in the arts of deception, deploying a facade of charm to mask her ruthless quest for revenge. Her calculated actions highlight her lack of genuine empathy, as she views relationships as strategic opportunities rather than emotional connections.

💼 Ambition 💋 Seduction 🕵️‍♀️ Deception

Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich)

The Vicomte de Valmont is a charismatic and intelligent libertine who revels in the games of seduction. Initially driven by self-interest and the thrill of conquest, his character becomes increasingly complex as he grapples with genuine feelings for Madame de Tourvel. His internal conflict illustrates the interplay between manipulation and authenticity, leading to his tragic downfall.

💔 Love 🎭 Playfulness 🥀 Tragedy

Cécile de Volanges

Cécile is portrayed as an innocent and sheltered young woman, easily influenced by the schemes of others. Her character's naivety serves as a sharp contrast to the experienced players around her, making her a target for manipulation. Throughout the story, she endures a painful transformation, forced into a reality filled with deception and moral complexities.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Innocence 😢 Vulnerability 💔 Heartbreak

Madame de Tourvel

Madame de Tourvel is characterized by her virtue and moral integrity, making her an object of desire for Valmont. Her unwavering piety initially shields her from the manipulations around her, but ultimately, she is ensnared in Valmont's web. Her emotional journey is marked by a struggle against societal expectations and her own feelings of love, leading to tragic consequences.

🙏 Virtue 💔 Love 😔 Sacrifice

Chevalier Raphael Danceny (Glenn Close)

Danceny represents youthful passion and idealism, serving as an ally to Cécile. His nobility contrasts sharply with the duplicitous nature of Merteuil and Valmont, positioning him as a moral counterpoint in the plot. As events unfold, Danceny's character arc showcases his transition from innocence to a harsh awakening in the face of betrayal and loss.

🎻 Music ❤️ Romance ⚔️ Combat

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Major Themes – Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Explore the central themes of Dangerous Liaisons (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Manipulation

Manipulation is at the core of 'Dangerous Liaisons,' as characters engage in a ruthless game of deceit to achieve their desires. The Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont embody the art of seduction as a weapon, using it to assert control and dominance over others, particularly the naïve Cécile. This theme underscores the moral ambiguities and tragic repercussions of their calculated actions.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a pervasive theme in the narrative, affecting each character in profound ways. The initial alliance between Merteuil and Valmont quickly turns toxic as personal interests clash, leading to devastating betrayals that spiral out of control. Ultimately, the personal and emotional stakes transform the fleeting alliances into heartbreaking losses, revealing the fragility of trust.

👩‍🎓 Coming of Age

Cécile's journey epitomizes the theme of coming of age amidst a tumultuous and manipulative environment. She starts as an innocent young woman, naive to the harsh realities of love and betrayal. As she navigates the treacherous waters of seduction and deception, Cécile experiences a forced maturation that brings about painful lessons, highlighting the societal pressures placed on women.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

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