Review of Cruel Intentions (1999) by Colter H — 06 Mar 2010
An updated adaptation of Des Laclos' Dangerous Liaisons for the American Pie generation. With the nihilistic boredom taken to an almost Ellis-esque level, the main characters Kathryn and Sebastian play games of manipulation and seduction with those unfortunate enough to be included in their social circle.
Avoiding a plot synopsis, I just wanted to say that this movie does succeed in what it set out to do, showing the cruelness and superficiality of human nature whilst putting a fun and original spin on the source material, which I also thoroughly enjoy.
The characters, although 'inspired' by the novel, are fresh and original particular for this genre of film; one in which all too often the characters follow the same archetypes. There's no fear of that here.
On the other hand, the acting can at some times be camp, overtly animated and detrimental to the characters. Gellar is almost always good though. Also, the movie hasn't exactly aged well visually and sound-wise. Some of the scenes sound quite muffled and the visuals look a bit cheap, actually. Luckily the script is as witty and thoughtful as it ever was! Howeeever, the script, as good as it is, really lets itself down when the characters start spouting modern day insults, etc in an attempt to get with the times. It was unnecessary and demeaning. The ending is also unfortunate, with the fey morality in what is supposed to be an amoral tale (it is very satisfying though).
In conclusion, over all the movie is probably a failure, but there's enough style, scheming, sexiness, and sarcasm for me to give it four stars!!
This review of Cruel Intentions (1999) was written by Colter H on 06 Mar 2010.
Cruel Intentions has generally received positive reviews.
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