MovieChat Forums > Dangerous Liaisons (1989) Discussion > What's the point of comparing it w/ Crue...

What's the point of comparing it w/ Cruel Intentions?

posted 17 years ago by charcoalactivity
10 replies | jump to latest

I mean, geez, Cruel Intentions is the MODERN version.

Why not compare this movie with Valmont? I prefer Dangerous Liaisons over Valmont anytime actually. BUT I love love love Colin Firth.

Cruel Intentions is completely in its own league. It's MODERN and new and NOT the 1700 French, y'know? So, there's no point of saying, OHHH CRUEL INTENTIONS SUCKED or OHHH CRUEL INTENTIONS WAS BETTER.

R.I.P. Severus Snape. You are the bravest man Harry Potter's ever known.

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] emmeaki 17 years ago

I saw Cruel Intentions some years back and hadn't even realized that it was based on Dangerous Liaisons (one of my favorite movies of all times) until last year. There is definitely no comparison. Cruel Intentions might be superb to the Teeny Boppers, but to any serious film buff, it's like comparing Bartles & Jaymes wine cooler to a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.

[–] Theora23 17 years ago

I liked the dialog from "Dangerous Liaisons", but I found "Valmont" to be a better telling of the story.

[–] noblesse_oblige 17 years ago

UH - are you joking? Have you read the novel? Because you'll find 'Valmont' does not follow the book very well. That is, if you're familiar with the story, as you are obviously not.

[–] LittleMissLola 17 years ago

I think that the people who liked "Cruel Intentions" more than "Valmont/Dangerous Liaisons" simply cannot appreciate the story for what it originally was. They are "modern" themselves and more than likely do not like historical dramas. A lot of people are like that and there isn't anything wrong with it. Let them enjoy their modern-ness while we enjoy our corsets and men in tights ;)

[–] darla1609 17 years ago

I just wanted to say that when I first saw Cruel Intentions a couple of years ago I loved it because I liked the story, actors and the dialogue. Now, I was not aware of the fact that there was a novel written by Laclos until I watched the play by Christopher Hampton in a Viennese Theater on Wednesday. I fell in love with the story, Hampton really made something wonderful for the stage.
I went to see the movie "Dangerous Liaisons" which I like a lot but I have some problems with it. Hampton was responsible for the screenplay and I thought it brilliant in the movie.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is this: Although I like the original story I really love what they made out of Cruel Intentions. Of course it is a modern story, thats the point of the film, but they captured the main events, points of the play and set it in modern New York. And they did it in a brilliant entertaining and shocking way.

Of course opinions differ and some like costume dramas more than others. I like these historical films a lot but I still agree with modern films as well and try not to decide on just one of the genres. So I don't see myself as a teenie-movie fan just because I like "Cruel Intentions".

[–] Brookic0 17 years ago

I think both films are equally good..I am a huge fan of Cruel Intentions though! I respect the history costume period movies, but I like modern movies too. I'm definatley not a teenie bopper. Just b/c someone doesn't agree with you, calling them a teenie bopper makes you look like one yourself, hence acting immature.

[–] patrick_bateman_90056 15 years ago

Cruel Intentions is very smart for a "teeny bopper" film and successfully translate the idea for a modern audience, but Dangerous Liaisons, to me, was a much more fascinating and exquisite experience.

Also, the reveal of Kathryn's vindictive nature is beautifully executed, but it just can't compare with the final shot of the Marquise as she removes her makeup and reveals the pathetic and broken human being she really is.

We will be cruel to the Germans, and through our cruelty, they will know who we are.

[–] blondepittbull 15 years ago

My favorite of the three is "Dangerious Liasions" no question.

But I did like Cruel Intentions too and would rank that second. I thought the ending was amazing.

For some reason I couldn't really get into "Valmont". It wasn't BAD but compared to the others..it just wasn't for me. Although the acting was great.

[–] SeisCinemaSeis 15 years ago

I dunno what's the point either. As you have said, 'Valmont' would be a better film to compare.
Anyway if they are trying to compare it just for the sake of it; then I gotta say that Dangerous Liaisons is a MUCH BETTER film on any level. IMO DL is Frears' best film to date.