Since its publication in 1782, Pierre Coderlos de Lacrosse’s epistolary novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) has been adapted for stage, print, opera, television and film, including Stephen Frears. dangerous relationship (1988) Starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman. cruel intentions (1999) moved the action to modern New York and starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Selma Blair, and Reese Witherspoon.
And now, an 8-episode miniseries is here, dangerous relationship, created by Harriet Warner, starring Nicholas Denton, Alice Englert, Lesley Manville, and more. When she joined the project, Harriet says she wondered what had caused the story to spawn various adaptations over 300 years.
300 years of charm
Speaking on a video call from Brighton, England, she said: She is also an incredibly sophisticated audience scrutinizer. ”
When Harriet rewatched Lacrosse’s novel, she was struck by its universal themes. It’s about a woman navigating a man’s world with.Wow, these themes still feel very relevant.”
Historically speaking, she says, we live in a time of considerable division. “There is a chasm between the rich and the poor. Strangely enough, there is still a real connection, both politically and personally. That is the power of eternity.” dangerous relationshipThe novel still has great influence because humanity has not changed. ”
Nicholas Denton as Pascal Valmont and Alice Englert as Camille in Dangerous Liaisons
modern route
Harriet wanted the show to stay true to its time period, so she wondered if it should take the modern route. cruel intentions Or stay true to time. “The only thing I did in terms of changing times was moving a little later so that it would be about 20 years later than when the novel was set and when the book was published.”
Staying true to that era, she says, is satisfying for audiences and provides an escape into a highly immersive world. “I didn’t want to use anachronistic words. Camille[Englat]feels modern because of her character. The words are taken from a lacrosse text that feels modern in itself.” You feel like you made it.” Harriet says the whole piece has a living energy.
Nicholas Denton as Pascal Valmont and Alice Englert as Camille in Dangerous Liaisons. Photo credit: Dusan Martincek
eye for detail
Harriet says that when shooting a historical show, you have to make sure all the elements are right. All the details need to fit together so that your end result is a world that stands up to scrutiny. It makes you feel like you’re in it, so you can connect with these characters and follow an emotional, character-driven story.
According to her, finding a head of department who can bring that vision to life, a director who knows how to shoot, and a cast that feels clothed rather than dressed is all about the appeal. It contributes to a unique experience.
mission statement
Character 81 of the novel was chosen as the entry point for the series. She created a version of herself to manage the incredibly rigid patriarchal world of the nobility.
While reading it, Harriet felt that the Marquise did not share the values of that world. She doesn’t feel she is from that world, so where did she come from, how did she get here, why doesn’t she feel a part of it? It was so exciting because I suddenly thought that what we had might be a prelude. And we get to explore the beginning of this love story.”
Harriet felt that the letters gave the show structure. I wanted to go on that journey with them, to understand and connect with them, just as I want to connect with them.”
Prague for Paris
Prague was chosen as a stand-in for the City of Light, she says, because 18th-century Paris no longer exists in any meaningful way. “A lot of things changed after the Revolution. Paris wasn’t on the map at the time. It gave us a wonderful parallel to Paris at the time when it was augmented by
Nicholas Denton as Pascal Valmont and Alice Englert as Camille in Dangerous Liaisons
in all the steamy scenes dangerous relationship, the work was cut for intimate coordinators. “Intimate scenes are difficult for everyone. It’s great for a director to feel able to focus on the story told through intimate scenes without worrying about logistics.”
Harriet adds that it’s reassuring to have a safe space for the cast. I was so lucky to be with Ita O’Brien, who did an incredible job and was a key part of the show.”
Dangerous Liaisons is now streaming on Lionsgate Play