Dangerous Liaisons - Not My Usual, But I See the Appeal

Okay, so, full disclosure, period dramas aren't usually my jam. I'm more of a spaceships and laser beams kind of guy (duh, kevinmovies). But my girlfriend basically forced me to watch 'Dangerous Liaisons' (the 1988 one!), and, honestly? I was surprised. It's not exactly sci-fi worldbuilding, but the whole court society thing is a very intricate social structure with its own rules and power dynamics, which kinda scratches that worldbuilding itch, you know? I mean, the plot itself is pretty messed up. This Marquise lady (Glenn Close is AMAZING, by the way, totally nailed that icy bitch vibe) basically manipulates everyone around her. And John Malkovich as Valmont? Perfect casting. He's got that charming-but-you-know-he's-a-snake thing down pat. The scene where he's trying to seduce Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer), and she's fighting it so hard... it's intense! I actually felt kinda bad for her, even though I knew she was probably gonna get played. Honestly, the whole thing is just a bunch of rich people being awful to each other, but in a super compelling way. The costumes were pretty cool too, even if they look like they could restrict movement. What really got me was how meticulously they planned everything. It's like a game of chess, but the pawns are people's reputations and emotions. And the ending? Whew. Didn't see that coming. I won't spoil it, but let's just say karma, in the form of swords, is a mother. So yeah, not exactly what I usually watch, but 'Dangerous Liaisons' is a pretty damn good movie, even if it is just a bunch of people in wigs and fancy dresses backstabbing each other. Definitely worth checking out if you're into that kinda thing. Maybe I'll even try another period drama. Don't tell my friends!