Cruel Intentions is not a patch on the wickedly original film
adaptation of the naughtiest novel of pre-Revolutionary France.
Everything about this film is perfect: script, costume, the sense of
impending doom. Malkovich created the character which he has played
ever since in the Vicomte de Valmont, decadent dandy who gets all the
girls: Louis Quinze jailbait Cecile (Thurman), wide-eyed Madame de
Tourvel (Pfeiffer), and sparring partner Marquise de Merteuil (Close
in Cruella form). He falls for Tourvel's nunnish charms, but Merteuil
is his perfect match; their scenes together are devastating, and teach
you everything you need to know about love.
