| Philip Kaufman's Quills | |
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by Marcy
Dermansky
Philip Kaufman's Quills is a gorgeous film to watch--when you're not
covering your eyes from scenes of medieval water torture, excrement on the walls,
bloody finger tips, and attempted rape and murder.
Quills is set in nineteenth century France, in the castle-like Charenton Asylum where the Marquis de Sade spent the last ten years of his life. Napoleon Bonaparte is disgusted by the publication of the pornographic novel Justine and sends an emissary to the asylum, to put an end to the Marquis de Sade's writing career, the sadistic (get it?) Dr. Royer-Collard, played by the creepily repressed Michael Caine.
Just so you know (because, honestly, I didn't), besides the setting, the screenplay is not based on fact. It's a fictitious tale whose extraordinary events never took place. That said, the story is witty and compelling, based on complex and compelling characters.
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| Geoffrey Rush and Kate Winslet in Quills |
Geoffrey Rush plays the devilishly lewd Marquis de Sade; his quarters in the asylum is comfortable, furnished to his station in life; he is supplied with quills, wine, and clean linens. His manuscripts are smuggled out of the asylum by the comely, virginal chambermaid Madeleine (Kate Winslet). The plot hinges on lovely Madeleine who has attracted the favor of not only the immoral Marquis, but also the kind priest and overseer of the asylum, Abbé Coulmier (Joaquim Phoenix), and the mental patients as well.
This makes good sense, as Kate Winslet is a fine actress whose portrayal of the lower class chambermaid exudes a sauciness and innate intelligence that cannot be ignored. The same can be said for her bosom, which is shown to great effect in the revealing bodices of her simple outfits. When Dr. Royer-Collard arrives, the peaceful existence enjoyed by all comes to an end: desires are revealed, writing is squelched, quills are stolen, and the battle over lust, art, and morality begins.
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