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Quills 2000 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Philip Kaufman
R, 123 min. (strong sexual content, violence, language) |
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Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, Joaquin Phoenix, Michael Caine, Amelia Warner
Producers: Julia Chasman, Peter Kaufman, Nick Wechsler
Screenplay: Doug Wright
Cinematography: Rogier Stoffers
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Released: 11/22/00 (Limited), 12/25/00 (Wide) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
Any film tackling the controversial works and life of the Marquis de Sade is bound to be judged before it even makes its way
to the big screen, but this would be a mistake for those who are interested in top-notch acting and a toned-down script of a consensus
madman. Quills is not so much about de Sade as it is about self-expression and the indomitable spirit of a man who will
not be conquered by the suppression of his very essence. Some would argue that it was not de Sade's fault that he was inclined
to evil - he only played the deck of cards he was given. Maybe that's an easy way to excuse his actions, much of which were
not shown in this film, but his life stood for every man doing what was right in his own eyes - something that is obviously not
tolerated by a civilized society. Bringing this idea to the screen in a believable way was a difficult task, but with wise
casting choices and a fine director, Philip Kaufman, Quills has more or less hit its mark.
Quills isn't as interested in a plot as it is in a sequence of events that transpire at the Charenton Asylum for the Insane, where
de Sade was institutionalized twice, his second stint being the subject of the film. Many liberties were taken from the actual events
that took place during the final years of his life, but it's necessary to portray the film's message. Although locked away in a
comfortable cell, de Sade (Geoffrey Rush) is given permission by Abbe Coulmier (Joaquin Phoenix)
to purge his evil thoughts on paper, but not to allow it to be circulated for others to read. Of course, de Sade is determined to
see his works published, and Madeleine (Kate Winslet), a poor chambermaid who is infatuated with his works, helps him smuggle
them out to the masses. When his book is published, Napoleon is outraged and assigns a doctor, Royer-Collard (Michael Caine),
to the asylum to bring him under control. Realizing his failure and upset with being taken advantage of, Coulmier proceeds
to confiscate every possible writing utensil and ink from de Sade, who is resigned to using his own blood or even feces to
write his works.
Royer-Collard is a man consumed with the idea of suppression and control to convert others to "normal" behavior, while in
private has fantasies of acting out many of de Sade's writings. His new, young bride (who could be his granddaughter),
Simone (Amelia Warner), is innocent but tempted by de Sade's writings, begins an affair with a younger man to act out these
fantasies, ironic that Royer-Collard would probably do the same given the opportunity with her. His hypocritical life begs the
question of whether he is any better than de Sade. Probably not.
Geoffrey Rush turns in a remarkable performance as de Sade, making his character seem as dark as imagined even though
many of his perversities are never shown (or even hinted at) in the film. You wonder when his perversion and desire will overtake his
intelligence and self-control - Madeleine is one of his desires, yet he doesn't touch her without her permission. The monster,
so-to-speak, is lying just beneath the surface of his relatively cool exterior. Rush doesn't seem shy about his role at any point,
even though in several scenes he is wearing nothing but his birthday suit. His Oscar nomination is well-deserved.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Kate Winslet, who continues to gain respect and seems destined to win an Oscar
in the near future, is perfect as the young, impressionable chambermaid that pines for the Marquis' works. She never seems
to strain or overdo her role, and the chemistry between her and both Rush and Phoenix is fiery at times. Also, I must admit
I preferred Phoenix's turn as Abbe Coulmier more than his Oscar-nominated role as an evil emperor in Gladiator. There is
quite a bit more depth to his character, and his emotions seem much more geniune in this role. His last few scenes on screen
may be the film's best moments.
Whether this film will be enjoyable for most audiences is questionable, but the film is quite tame considering the subject matter,
and the strength of the cast is enough to garner a viewing. Director Philip Kaufman's interpretation of de Sade comes through
loud and clear - freedom of speech and expression outweigh all other concerns, regardless of the consequences that arise
from them. Quills will not be for everyone, but for those willing to endure a few vulgarities, it can be an involving experience.
© 2000 Jonathan Cornwell
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 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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