Valmont

REVIEW
Opulent settings in exotic European locales and meticulously designed period costumes can't save this uninvolving drama, based on Choderlos de Laclos' 1782 novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses." Sadly, director Forman misses the central idea behind the story of intrigue amidst the French aristocracy by not delving into the characters' icy hearts and as a result, the film is all spectacle and no soul. Firth's Valmont is, by his looks, well suited for the devilishly charming seducer, but lacks the calculating and complex personality that the role requires. Bening is sweet and pretty as the Marquise and would be the most miscast character in the film if not for Thomas' somnolent role as Danceny. Stick to Stephen Frears' mesmerizing Dangerous Liaisons, made a year earlier, and based on the same story.