Inconsistent Script, Odd Accents, Bland Direction + Terrible Male Lead
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Dangerous Liaisons
RoyalAllure — 11 years ago(August 07, 2014 04:05 PM)
Firstly, I do like this film. I've watched it perhaps four times now, and each time I watch it, I like it less and less.
Glenn Close is fantastic in this, what she lacks in physical beauty she more than makes up for in her performance. But what the hell were they thinking with John M? Aside from not being very handsome for a male romantic lead who seduces women, his accent was completely irritating and out of place and bugged me throughout the entire movie. It was nothing like the other men in the film, his accent was almost Contemporary Californian. Did anyone else notice this?
Also, there were several mistakes within the script with modern phrases that would not have been used. Why did they use formal, traditional french language then use phrases like 'what do you mean' and 'what?' instead of say 'pardon' which would be more fitting. Also, 'your mother, quick'.. not 'hurry' or 'quickly' but 'quick'.
Sloppy.
or when Glenn says 'nobler ring to it', when it should have been, 'a more noble ring'. There are dozens of other examples, like when John says 'bitch'.
The scriptwriters need to work on their grammar and historical usage.
Also, what was with the boring direction. It could have been such a wonderful visual film, but the shots lacked creativity and seem so dated re-watching. It was filmed like a soap with all the unnecessary close ups.
I almost forgot the random British friend of John's character. That was also competently random.
Rant over.
You, a salty water ocean wave.
Knock, me down and kiss my face. -
jh66 — 11 years ago(August 20, 2014 03:00 PM)
I agree, but it was made for the US market using US actors mainly, aside from a few British ones and a British director.
So to garner money from the lucrative US cinema going market, it has to closely identify with it, using [then] current lingo and attitudes. -
FelixtheCat34 — 9 years ago(October 30, 2016 07:15 PM)
lol I'm not sure what to say herethis is supposed to be set in 18th century Franceall of the accents are out of place.
When I watch a film like this I usually tend to suspend my disbelief.
If you want to watch a film that does a great job in this regard, please check out The Red Violin. I could pick out the anachronisms on my left hand.
I guess back then people weren't so picky about those little details.