25 years of Cruel Intentions: Why the film should be a blueprint for classic adaptations.
A short observation on the influence or the lack-of influence of classical literature in films
This month marks 25 years since the release of Cruel Intentions. Although the film receives mixed reviews today, at the time of its release it definitely made a huge impact on the film industry, and ended the century with a bang.
Most remembered by its scene depicting the iconic kiss between Selma Blair and Sarah Michelle Gellar, this movie has certainly given us a monumental moment in American cinema. But, the film also contained a lot of controversial scenes, such as the twisted relationship between Gellar and Ryan Phillippe’s characters, which destined the film to remain unforgettable for better or for worse.
Overlooking thaaat weird side of the movie, it is a pretty good film, in my opinion. Every time I hear ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ play, with Annette (Reese Witherspoon) driving off into the sunset with Sebastian’s (Ryan Phillippe) diary, I get goosebumps. I also own a Cruel Intentions t-shirt, if that says anything about my love for the film (lol i’m not sure if it does but I just had to include that in here).
It is very well known by now that the film is inspired by the French epistolary novel titled Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, from 1782. The novel focuses on the story of the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, a story of lovers-to-enemies who attempt to ruin each others lives. Besides the controversies around the film, I believe that Roger Kumble really paved the way for brave takes on classical literature.
So why aren’t we seeing any more films like this being made anymore?
At the end of 2023 we saw the release of Anyone But You, which was based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing (I’m still yet to watch that one!) The film got a lot of attention on TikTok as we haven’t had a rom-com remake based on classic lit in a long time. I saw a lot of people reference back to 10 Things I Hate About You and Clueless when talking about this. And, it’s true that those films are iconic remakes, but it also got me thinking of Cruel Intentions which came out a similar time, and yet it stands out so much from the rest.
In my final year of University, I studied a module on English satire novels from the eighteenth century. Reading some crazy novels like Pamela (1740) by Samuel Richardson, and its lesser known parody Shamela (1740, and allegedly written by Henry Fielding). I was introduced to a very much slept on side of English literature, and a much forgotten humorous side of 18th century literature.
Little bit of fun context ;)
For those that don’t know, Pamela is considered one of the first English novels, and it focuses on a story of marriage between Pamela and Mr B. But, in Shamela, the story gets twisted in a way which at the time was perceived to be very controversial. The mother of the protagonist is unwed and Shamela is a ‘wicked and lascivious creature’ (Kathryn Merteuil who?).
The appeal of scandal !
The novellas I just spoke about were also at the time described as ‘shocking’ and even ‘absurd’ - only published in very small circulation, anonymously and for very cheap. Just like Laclos’ novel which was considered too scandalous at the time, these attributes are what made it perfect for it to be re-imagined for today’s audience, because there is nothing more entertaining than drama.
I feel like Cruel Intentions paved the way for films like this to be made. It is a perfect mix of dark academia, elitist privilege, deceit and humor - literally a modern take on the character of novels like the ones I touched on just then! Sure, I did also love the takes on classics like Clueless and 10 Things I Hate About You. But, Cruel Intentions definitely stands out from the rest, and I feel like that its owed due to its smart deep dive into the classic novels which aren’t an idealistic romantic story.