CRUEL INTENTIONS
Director
Written by Synopsis (without Spoilers)
In comes Kathryn Merteuil, Sebastian's conniving and manipulative stepsister. If you thought Sebastian was bad, wait until you meet this lovely lady. Her power and wealth are reflected when young and innocent Cecile Caldwell's mother insists Kathryn take her under her wing. Cecile [Selma Blair] is not only innocent though, but very naive as well, and plays into Kathryns's and Sebastian's world of sex and power.
The story actually surrounds very pure Annette Hargrove[Reese Witherspoon], who is the poster child for abstinence. When Kathryn makes a bet with Sebastian on seducing Annette, Sebastian suddenly turns into a man with a mission. While on his mission though, he finds himself strangely attracted to Annette's purity and confidence.
Phillippe is certainly the perfect doe-eyed character for this role. His poutiness is played to a tee, as his character tranforms from bat out of hell to guardian angel. Yes, he eventually falls for Annette, her purity a holy water for his soul. Actually, she falls a bit short there, as she does end up giving in to his wiley desires anyway (although she claims it is out of love). The love, though quick, seems real and true; Phillippe's Sebastian has obviously completed a full 180. Too bad that tragedy strikes at the end, turning a happy fulfilling love story into a tragic one. The last scene Kumble leaves us with, though, is one that is still fullfilling, though on other (more spiritual) levels.
The direction of this film was excellent; Kumble's first-time project was definitely impressive. From the shadowy images of Phillippe's smoldering face to the promiscuous dress and look of Gellar's tainted eyes.
Roger Kumble
Roger Kumble
Based on the novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos
Starring
Ryan Phillippe .....
Sebastian Valmont
Sarah Michelle Gellar .....
Kathryn Merteuil
Reese Witherspoon .....
Annette Hargrove
Selma Blair .....
Cecile Caldwell
Christine Baranski .....
Bunny Caldwell
Joshua Jackson .....
Blaine Tuttle 
Smart and conniving Sebastian Valmont [Ryan Phillippe] has had it easy all his life. Living in a high-class New York society, he has all a guy could every want: money, power, and any woman he might desire.
Reviews (with Spoilers)
Though definitely deserving of its R rating, Cruel Intentions proved to be a heroic film in the end. Although some may criticize the movie as a one containing only sex, lies, and drugs, I have to admit that it was entertaining. And what is the point of movies anyway? To entertain.
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