A Tale of Love and Betrayal in Aristocracy

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MOVIE REVIEW
Valmont
–

Genre: Drama, Romance
Year Released: 1989, 2023 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h 17m
Director(s): Miloš Forman
Writer(s): Choderlos de Laclos, Jean-Claude Carrière, Miloš Forman
Cast: Colin Firth, Annette Bening, Meg Tilly, Fairuza Balk, Henry Thomas, Jeffrey Jones, Siân Phillips, Ian McNeice, Vincent Schiavelli, Fabia Drake, T.P. McKenna, Isla Blair, Ronald Lacey
Where To Watch: available November 28, 2023; order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: VALMONT, directed by Miloš Forman, is like opening a book of lavish illustrations, each page revealing a deeper layer of narrative complexity and character depth. This film isn't just a journey through the corridors of power in 18th-century France; it's a sophisticated exploration of the human psyche, draped in the finery of a period drama but pulsing with contemporary resonance. The film is meant to make you uncomfortable and does so in stunning fashion.

At its heart, VALMONT is a story spun from the threads of manipulation and romance, set within the opulent and ethically murky world of French nobility. With characters like the cunning Marquise de Merteuil (Annette Bening) and the charming yet scheming Viscount de Valmont (Colin Firth), the film waltzes through a labyrinth of deceit and heartfelt emotion. These protagonists' dance of love and betrayal forms the film's core, delving into the convoluted dynamics of high society's games. This film’s cast is packed in addition to those heavy hitters; the film's ensemble stars Meg Tilly, Fairuza Balk, Jeffrey Jones, and other names you’re sure to recognize.

The standout element of VALMONT is undoubtedly its rich, character-driven storytelling. Eschewing a straightforward plot, Forman opts for a narrative that delves into the psyche of its characters. Bening's portrayal of the Marquise is a villainous caricature and a nuanced representation of a woman navigating the treacherous waters of society at the time. Firth's Valmont, too, is more than a stereotypical archetype; he is a character caught in the tumultuous world of his conflicting desires and newfound emotional depth.

The attention to detail in set design and costume design takes historical accuracy and leans into it; this world that the cast exists in becomes part of the story. Forman's direction combines these visual elements with the story's emotional undercurrents, creating picturesque and meaningful scenes.

VALMONT does have its challenges. The film's pacing sometimes feels uneven; some scenes continue longer than necessary. The subtlety and layered storytelling might only be for some, especially those who favor more direct narrative approaches. While its leisurely pace allows for an in-depth exploration of character motivations, it occasionally hampers the plot's momentum. Shining a more balanced light on the ensemble cast could have added vibrancy to the already rich narrative. It also doesn’t help that another film came out around the same time with a similar story based on the same work that stole some of VALMONT’S spotlight.

Despite these critiques, VALMONT remains an impressive addition to Forman's filmography. The film's reimagining of a classic narrative, emphasizing emotional authenticity over dramatic sensationalism, showcases the unique power of cinema to transform and reinterpret stories. It's a reminder that film adaptations are as much a director's vision as a tribute to their source material.

VALMOUNT merits applause and repeated viewings with such a complex tale spun. Its amalgamation of a distinctive narrative approach, compelling performances, and visually stunning presentation cements its place as a notable period drama. Though it might not have seized the limelight upon its release, its enduring qualities make it a compelling watch for both dedicated cinephiles and casual movie-goers, offering a fresh lens through which to view a familiar story.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]