74
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
13(76%)
mixed
3(18%)
negative
1(6%)
Showing 17 Critic Reviews
100
A delectably naughty experience. This sort of wit and immediacy is extraordinarily rare in a period film.
By Hal Hinson
FULL REVIEW 100
Pfeiffer reveals an emotional nakedness that's almost shocking. Never has she exposed so much and done it so simply. Who knew she could be this good?
100
A first-rate piece of work by a director who's daring and agile... It's heaven – alive in a way that movies rarely are. [9 Jan 1989]
100
In "Fatal Attraction" [Close] was a woman out of control. Here she's in control of her emotions, too much in control. When Merteuil finally lets loose and gives way to complete animal despair, Close is horrifying. [13 Jan 1989, Daily Datebook, p.E1]
90
Nothing Miss Close has done on the screen before approaches the richness and comic delicacy of her work as the Marquise. [21 Dec 1988, p.C22]
80
An excellent film. [16 Jan 1989, p.64]
80
In addition to its photography, the film's details of costuming (by "The Last Emperor's" James Acheson) and production design (by Stuart Craig of "Gandhi" and "The Mission") are ravishing. [21 Dec 1988, Calendar p.6]
80
Pfeiffer is a revelation in her part, almost stealing the film. Her relative stillness, masking internal unrest, makes her character seem more authentically "period" than her co-stars, who have adopted no formal period mannerisms.
By Staff (Non Credited)
FULL REVIEW 80
The film seems a bit studied, but the creepy plot still holds a certain fascination.
75
The distanced result, screen-adapted by playwright Christopher Hampton, never quite overwhelms you. [21 Dec 1988, Life, p.1D]
