#348 (no ads): Conduct Unbecoming, Pt. 1 — Dangerous Liaisons (1988) (Patreon)

The abuse of power and resulting fall from grace in Todd Field’s new Tár put us in mind of another cautionary tale of entitlement and bad behavior, in the form of 1988’s Dangerous Liaisons. So this week we’re revisiting Stephen Frears’ lush, lavish depiction of not-so-secret affairs among the French aristocracy to consider what keeps this 17th-century period piece from feeling stodgy, the cruel intentions at work in its many romantic pairings, and what distinguishes its final shot as one of the all-time greats. Plus, listeners bring some of their own interpretation and insight to our recent pairing of Brief Encounter and Decision to Leave.

Please share your comments, thoughts, and questions about Dangerous Liaisons, Tár, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730.

Outro music: “Beyond My Control” by George Fenton