An adaptation of the 1782 novel by Choderlos de Laclos, a novel that both intensely grips and scandalises, 'Les Liasons Dangereuses' as a play when done well is absolutely riveting and both beautiful and shocking. Was not sure how it would work out adapting 'Les Liasons Dangereuses' as a play, as it is hard enough to adapt it, or anything similar, for film and television and with its content it would be even more difficult to stage as a play with in my mind less freedom.
'Les Liasons Dangereuses' works very well indeed as a play, the drama is still gripping and allures and shocks, and the characterisation has lost none of its complexity. Coping very well with overcoming the difficulties in adapting the novel for any medium, the biggest difficulties being not trivialising what is so shocking about the story's content, not being too heavy that it overly-darkens and being sensual enough without being overly erotic. Valmont is also not easy to nail, one should see what people see in him so that he is not a stock character but they should also see what is so loathsome about him and that is a trait that could be overdone.
This is a wonderful production and doesn't fall into the potential traps that makes 'Les Liasons Dangereuses' a big undertaking to take on. Just to say before properly reviewing the production, the National Theatre Live productions are well worth going to see and there have been many treasures. The cinema ticket is more expensive than seeing a standard film (in case it's the price that is putting one off), but it is still much cheaper than seeing it in the theatre and in a more accessible location while still feeling very authentic.
Visually, this 'Les Liasons Dangereuses' looks beautiful. Really loved the opulent furniture and elegant interiors, without becoming overblown spectacle and it doesn't jar with the darker parts of the story. The costumes are to die for, and thought it very tasteful and a good idea to keep the setting period traditional, in any other setting one would question the change and in modern day it'd just look tacky in my mind. The dialogue has intensity and emotional engagement.
Dramatically, 'Les Liasons Dangereuses' never had issues with momentum for me with the conflict of the battle of the sexes having the tension that it did, while also allowing some sensitive intimacy for the emotion to speak. Nothing felt watered down here, while always being tasteful with no gratuitous touches that makes one feel uncomfortable. The nocturnal Valmont-Cecile seduction has full impact. Have felt much more uncomfortable watching some opera (love opera just to say) concept productions that put in irrelevant touches for no reason of operas that shouldn't have that impression. Everything makes psychological sense here, which is what the production was trying to do and it's one of its biggest strengths.
Janet McTeer embodies Marquise De Meurteuil, in that there is an elegance and amusing quality while relishing but not overdoing the merciless side of the character. Dominic West also nails Valmont, predatory yet deceptively charming. Alluring Elaine Cassidy does very well having just replaced Michelle Dockery, and it is not easy mentally filling in at short notice when you feel like a lot of pressure is on you (have been there myself so know what it's like).
Concluding, wonderful production. 10/10
