Cruel Intentions
In an adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos' novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) are step-brother and step-sister living in Manhattan. With their absent parents travelling in Europe, the wealthy pair have the family penthouse to themselves as they while away their summer break before beginning senior year at a private high school. Sebastian, bad-boy lothario, has apparently slept with all the girls in town and appears numb to it all. Kathryn, who appears to be the good girl class president, is actually far more amoral and malicious than Sebastian, but maintains appearances to the contrary. When she is dumped by her boyfriend, Court Reynolds (Charlie O'Connell), for the innocent Cecile Caldwell (Selma Blair), she schemes revenge by destroying Cecile's reputation. She challenges Sebastian to deflower Cecile and transform her into a tramp to humiliate Court. Sebastian isn't as interested as Cecile -- she's spent her whole life in a Catholic girl's school and presents no challenge. The girl who has caught his attention is Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon), the new headmaster's daughter. Annette had written an article for Seventeen Magazine on her plans to stay a virgin until she finds her one true love. Kathryn makes a wager. If Sebastian fails to lure Annette into bed before the summer is over, Kathryn gets his car. If he succeeds, Sebastian gets Kathryn, whom he wants anyway. Sebastian accepts the bet, but Annette turns out to be more than either of them bargained for. more..
Director: Roger Kumble
Starring: Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Louise Fletcher
A witty, raunchy comedy, which proves that a well-written piece of business - oozing with sex, wit and nasty intrigue - works for any generation.
The original was about social manipulation as blood sport. Amazing how easily it transports, themes intact, to our blighted decade, and to our children.
It crash-lands with an ending of soppy moralizing, but until the end, it's smart and merciless in the tradition of the original story.
Never shocks or even offends by ascribing fully adult cruelties and erotic activities to obnoxious kids; such harshness wouldn't flatter a cast this moussed and magazine-layout-ready.
You have the queasy sense that the whole thing is just an elaborate stunt, and in this case an exploitative one.
Favorite Supporting Actress - Drama/Romance
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (2000)
Best Original Score
Csapnivalo Awards (2000)
Trashiest
Golden Trailer Awards (1999)
Best Female Performance
MTV Movie Awards (2000)
Film - Choice Drama
Teen Choice Awards (1999)
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