Classics: A Review of Dangerous Liaisons By Lauren Ennis

 It is often said that all if fair in love and war. It is this sentiment that lovers and co-conspirators Marquis de Mertuil and Vicomte de Valmont live by. In 1988's Dangerous Liaisons the vicious pair conquer pre-revolutionary France using charm and lust as their weapons of choice. Nearly forty years after its release the film remains the gold standard for adaptation of of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos' 1782 novel. At once an apt portrait of pre-revolutionary France and a startlingly relevant exploration of sexual politics Dangerous Liaisons cuts every bit as deep as upon its initial release. 

The story begins in 1780's Paris. Scorned Marquis de Mertuil enlists the aid of her own on-again, off-again paramour Viscount de Valmont in a scheme to enact revenge against her most recent lover. This latest romance ended after her lover ended their relationship to pursue marriage with respectable, sheltered, socialite, Cecile. In an effort to disgrace Cecil the Marquis arranges for Valmont to seduce the young woman before her wedding night. To her frustration Valmont initially refuses, saying that he is already preoccupied with his own plot to seduce the virtuous Madame de Torval in retaliation against her politician husband. The Marquis then presents him with an offer he cannot refuse; one final night with her if he succeeds in seducing both Madame de Torval and Cecile. All goes according to the duo's devious plan until love threatens to get in the way.

The film brings de Laclos' novel to visceral life in all of its seductiveness, grit, and unabashed brutality. In its depiction of Valmont and the Marquis' pettiness and casual cruelty the film brilliantly portrays the banality of evil. Unlike most cinematic villains the pair pursue their vicious plans not for any grand purpose, but instead out of spite, vanity, and boredom. This matter of fact approach to the duo's duplicity makes their promiscuity depraved rather than glamorous. The blunt portrayal of their callousness also ensures that the havoc they leave in their wake is all the more devastating. As a result, the film avoids both glamorizing it leads' misdeeds and moralizing against them. In this way, the film raises difficult questions about love, lust, power, and personal responsibility without offering easy answers. The film's unflinching portrayal of a society grappling with hypocritical sexual politics and changing norms particularly resonates in our own society caught between such extremes as the rise of only fans and the 'trad-wife' trend. On this cold Valentine's Day feel the heat of Dangerous Liaisons.

The film transports viewers to the splendor of pre-revolutionary Paris thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Uma Thurman perfectly captures Cecile's naivete and sensuality. Keanu Reeves conveys boy next door charm as Cecil's sincere but gullible music teacher and suitor, La Chavalier Danceny. Michelle Pfieffer turns in one of the best performances of her career as she blends decency, integrity, vulnerability, and resilience in her tragic turn as Madame de Torval. John Malkovich and Glen Close make for a legendary pairing as the equal parts devious and debauched Marquis de Mertuil and Viscount de Valmont. Malkovich combines calculation with cool charisma as the mercenary Valmont, while still portraying his crisis of conscience with pathos. Close is nothing short of iconic as the tactical, brutal, hypnotic, and never less than fascinating Marquis.

At once, a scathing critique of eighteenth century aristocracy and an apt warning for modern society Dangerous Liaisons remains dangerously good viewing. Through its biting script the film brings pre-revolutionary France to life in all of its sordidness and splendor. The performances are nothing short of iconic with Malkovich, Close, and Pfeiffer showcasing masterful performances. This Valentine's Day take a walk on the wild side with Dangerous Liaisons.

Classics: A Review of I Capture the Castle By Lauren Ennis

 Adolescence is a time associated with angst, confusion, and awkwardness. Rarely has the adolescent experience been captured with the heart and hilarity of 2003's I Capture the Castle. The film brings Dodie Smith's 1949 classic novel to vibrant, joyful life for a whole new generation. At once a slice of British life between the wars and a universal coming of age story I Capture the Castle is sure to capture viewers' hearts.

The story begins in the English countryside during the 1930's. Teenage aspiring writer Cassandra is living with her family in a decrepit castle. Even as the eccentric family enjoys the bohemian life in the castle they continue to sink ever deeper into poverty. After years of writer's block her famous author father's fortune has finally run out, leaving the family unable to pay their rent. When their landlord dies his two American grandsons arrive to collect the rent. Cassandra's older sister, Rose, sees the pair's arrival as the solution to the family's problems and sets to work trying to win the older son's heart. The sisters then embark upon a series of misadventures in life and love that is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.

The film sets itself apart from other coming of age stories through its winning combination of heart and humor. The script makes the most of the story's absurd premise as it highlights both the castle's decrepit state and the family's obliviousness to it. The film also shows the family's eccentricities by contrasting their oddball antics with the proper reserved behavior of those around them. Even as it revels in the characters' outlandishness, however, it is always careful to laugh with rather than at them. For example, while the film portrays the family's outrageous lifestyle it is also careful to portray the consequences of that lifestyle.. Similarly, the film champions the family's integrity in the face of artifice and conformity even as it plays the contrast for laughs. Through its unflinching portrait of its characters and its tongue in cheek view of their situation the film strikes the ideal balance between comedy and drama. In its loving depiction of the Mortmain family's misadventures the film captures the hijinks and heartache of growing up. Recapture the the and laughter of youth with Cassandra in I Capture the Castle.

The film transports viewers to Britain between the wars thanks to its endearingly eccentric performances. Rose Byrne embodies Rose's charm and cunning with equal skill. Henry Cavil exudes boy next door charm and sincerity as Cassandra's would-be suitor, Stephen. Henry Thomas aptly portrays American arrival Simon's culture shock and inner conflict. Mac Blucas is the ultimate brash American as Simon's obstinate brother, Neil. Bill Nighy portrays family patriarch James' bravado and pitifulness with realism and sympathy. Tara Fitzgerald is a delight as Cassandra's free-spirited stepmother, artists' model, Topaz. Even in the midst of apt supporting performances the film belongs to Romola Garai as Cassandra. Garai turns in a performance that captures all of the idealism, confusion, vulnerability, and romanticism of a girl on the verge of womanhood.

This deceptively simple slice of life drama encompasses the adolescent experience in all of its tragedy and triumph. The script brings Dodie Smith's beloved novel leaping onto the screen. The case brings each of their characters to life in all of their eccentricity and relatability. It is little wonder why generations of the young and young at heart continue to have their hearts captured by Cassandra and Rose in I Capture the Castle.

Classics: A Review of Gladiator By Lauren Ennis

 "Are you not entertained?!" gladiator Maximus famously asked the bloodthirsty crowd. Nearly a quarter century after its release Gladiator remains every bit as entertaining today as it was when it first arrived in theaters. After over two decades of cinematic innovation the film's combination of visceral action and poignant themes continues to pack a formidable punch. At once calling back to classic sword and sandals epics and offering pointed commentary upon the corrupt nature of government and the power of celebrity, Gladiator is a film for the ages. For viewing hat is sure to earn a thumbs up every time step into the ring with Gladiator.

The story begins in the twilight of the Roman Empire. General Maximums enjoys the brief glory of a victorious battle against the tribes of Germania. Following the battle's success he is chosen to succeed his mentor, Emperor Marcus Aurelius. When the emperor's wayward son, Commodus, learns that his place on the throne has been given to Maximus he schemes to assassinate his father. He then demands that Maximus pledge loyalty to him as the new emperor. When Maximus refuses Commodus orders that he be arrested and his wife and son be executed. Maximus escapes arrest only to later be captured by slave traders and sold as a gladiator. So begins a journey from general to slave to legend the likes of which cinema was made for.

The film's sincere exploration of timeless themes ensures that it remains a crowd please over two decades after its release. Even as the film aptly utilizes its historical setting, its portrayal of loss, revenge, and redemption feel at once both personal and universal. Regardless of viewers knowledge of or interest in ancient Rome, viewers will be hard pressed not to empathize with Maximus; tragic loss. As a result, his quest for revenge becomes a search for justice for which viewers will be rooting every bloody step of the way. Similarly, the film's depiction of political corruption and celebrity culture remain startlingly relevant. The film's depiction of the ways in which the power players of the empire make and break alliances on a whim particularly resonates in today's fraught political climate. Similarly, the way in which the empire's elites focus upon the circuses of the coliseum while their subjects suffer could be ripped from today's headlines. The film also brilliantly explores the power of celebrity with Maximus' meteoric rise eerily mirroring the ascension of today's celebrities and influencers. Even as it shows the ways in which he uses his newfound fame to his advantage, however, the film is careful to highlight the fickle nature of celebrity in a scathing critique that serves as an apt warning for our own fame obsessed culture. Even as it contemplates weighty themes, the film delivers pule-pounding action and gritty realism that will make even today's cynical viewers squirm. Forget the sequels and imitators and let Maximus entertain you in Gladiator.

The film transports viewers to the splendor and squalor of ancient Rome thanks to the work of its cast. Spencer Treat Clark captures the innocence and enthusiasm of childhood as Commodus' nephew, Lucius. Connie Nielsen is at once alluring and formidable as Commodus' sister and Maximus' former lover, Lucilla. Richard Harris personifies leadership in his brief turn as Marcus Aurelius. Joaquin Phoenix makes for one of the most memorable villains in modern cinema in a performance that blends menace, madness, and pitifulness as Commodus. Russell Crowe turns in a career defining performance as Maximus. In Crowe's hands Maximus is neither a historical figure nor a larger than life hero but instead an ordinary, believable, and all too relateable man. As a result, viewers will be certain to root just as hard as the Coliseum's crowds for his success in the face of overwhelming adversity.

In its depiction of one man's quest for justice Gladiator captures the grandeur of classic epics and the raw emotion of modern cinema. The script offers up plenty of bloody action while still tackling weighty themes that continue to resonate today. The star-studded cast bring the Roman Empire to vibrant and visceral life. For a truly epic entertainment experience step into the arena with Gladiator.

"Now you are free"