Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Geoffrey Rush | ... | The Marquis de Sade | |
Kate Winslet | ... | Madeleine | |
Joaquin Phoenix | ... | Coulmier | |
Michael Caine | ... | Royer-Collard | |
Billie Whitelaw | ... | Madame LeClerc | |
Patrick Malahide | ... | Delbené | |
Amelia Warner | ... | Simone | |
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Jane Menelaus | ... | Renee Pelagie |
Stephen Moyer | ... | Prouix | |
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Tony Pritchard | ... | Valcour |
Michael Jenn | ... | Cleante | |
Danny Babington | ... | Pitou | |
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George Antoni | ... | Dauphin (as George Yiasoumi) |
Stephen Marcus | ... | Bouchon | |
Elizabeth Berrington | ... | Charlotte |
The infamous writer, the Marquis de Sade of eighteenth century France, is imprisoned at Charenton Insane Asylum for unmentionable activities. He manages to befriend the young Abbé de Coulmier, who runs the asylum, along with a beautiful laundress named Madeline. Things go terribly wrong when the Abbe finds out that the Marquis' books are being secretly published. Emperor Napoleon contemplates sending Dr. Royer-Collard to oversee the asylum, a man famed for his torturous punishments. It could mean the end of Charenton and possibly the Marquis. Written by Emily H and Janette W
A baroque and quite entertaining film about the Marquis de Sade (Geoffrey Rush) and the conflicting reactions (disgust, titillation, excitement, abhorrence) his ideas and writings fostered in those exposed to them.
Rush jumps into the character of de Sade with mad glee, and hardly any scenery is left after he's done chewing it all. He's a marvelous actor and one whose work goes slightly underrated. Also doing a fine job in this film is the ever-reliable Kate Winslet, and providing the ick factor he brings to every movie he's in is Joaquin Phoenix as a religious man who's disturbed by the naughty thoughts de Sade makes him realize he has.
The costumes and production design are a delight and earned Oscar nominations, as did Rush for his performance.
Grade: A