Movie Review: Quills

Story: Is torture your thing? Then parts of this uneven film about the last years of everyone's favorite sadist, the Marquis de Sade, might be your cup of tea or perhaps, hot wax. Directed by Philip Kaufman (Unbearable Lightness of Being -by the way, just where is Daniel Day- Lewis, anyway)? and adapted by Doug Wright from his Obie winning stage play, the film has many highlights and some painful lowlights. It is the early 1800's (Sade died in 1814), in a mental institution called Charenton, where we find Sade shut away for his scandalous behavior and writings. Much of his pre-institutional behavior is glossed over. There's a virginal laundress, who is the conduit for Sade's writing to the outside world, a devout priest (who lusts in his heart), the evil thought police and lots of wacky asylum inmates. It is really a film about artistic freedom within a repressive political climate. (Could this be what we are in for during the next four years?) Be aware that there are some scenes with stomach turning torture that might not be everyone's forte. This is not a film for everyone.

Acting: Geoffrey Rush (Shine) was terrific as Sade. This is the first film in a long time where there was more male nudity than female nudity. Unfortunately Geoffrey Rush is the one who is most naked (unless you count chains as accessories). Joaquim Phoenix once again brings home a very three dimensional performance as a tormented priest. Kate Winslet's part was stupid but I do applaud her unusual script choices since the awful Titanic. Michael Caine was simply awful as the thought policeman.

Pets: A sweet caged bird and some sheep.

Visual Art: Oooooooh! Lots of erotica and sexual accouterment.

Soundtrack: I don't remember.

Titles: Common

Theater Audience: Fairly crowded (lots of tall people again) and one fellow actually asked us what we thought of the film as he left the theater. I did notice that almost everyone quickly exited after it was over. We were the only two left to read the credits. Not a good sign.

Quirky Meter: 2

Oscar Worthy: NO (but if the Academy can't find a fifth nominee they might give a nod to Rush again).

Nit Picking: Too many superfluous characters and the stars' teeth were too perfect for that time in history.

Length: Five minutes over the two hour rule. That is five more minutes of torture -- of course the Marquis would have approved.

LOBO HOWLS: 5