Valmont
"Valmont" is, of all things, a remake of "Dangerous Liaisons." In fact, "Valmont" came out within a year of "Dangerous Liaison's" release, though it comes to Salt Lake a bit late."Valmont" was directed by Milos Forman ("Amadeus") and is a lush, sumptuous period piece. The acting is also very good, though the Marquise de Merteuil (Annette Bening) is played quite a bit differently than Glenn Close's Oscar-nominated interpretation — but in its own way is equally satisfying.
The story is familiar, of course, a commentary on the decadence of 18th-century France, as aristocrats Valmont and the marquise plot the seduction of a 15-year-old innocent and a pious married woman.
The cast is first-rate, with Colin Firth as the title character, Meg Tilly as Madame de Tourvel, Fairuza Balk as Cecile, with able support from Jeffrey Jones, Henry Thomas — and even Vincent Shiavelli, whom we just cited as a "Ghost" cast member.
"Valmont" has many of the same inherent problems that plagued "Dangerous Liaisons," but if you haven't seen that film you may find some enjoyment here. And if you have, you may enjoy making comparisons. (The conclusion offers some specific changes with regard to major characters and may surprise you.)