Inspired by the life and work of the Marquis de Sade, Quills re-imagines the last years of the Marquis' incarceration in the insane asylum at Charenton. 'Quills' is an efficient film, but at the same time, not great stuff.
To begin with, 'Quills' has some terrific moments and performances, and even takes you back in time, but the problem clearly lies in it's writing, which loses pace in the final 40-minutes. The violence goes over-board, the characters are put up selfishly and the nudity touches a new high.
Philip Kaufman's direction is excellent. He truly understands the subject, but the final 40-minutes play a spoilsport. Rogier Stoffers's Cinematography is satisfactory. Peter Boyle's editing is razor-sharp at times, and loose at times.
In the acting department, Geoffrey Rush as Marquis de Sade, is marvelous. Proving once again that he is amongst the best actors of Modern-Era. Joaquin Phoenix plays a commanding role, with restrain. Kate Winslet is very good, as expected. Surprisingly, Sir Michael Caine is over-the-top this time around, which disappoints you after a point.
On the whole, this ain't no path-breaking cinema, but surely, a good effort. Nearly, a Thumbs Up!
To begin with, 'Quills' has some terrific moments and performances, and even takes you back in time, but the problem clearly lies in it's writing, which loses pace in the final 40-minutes. The violence goes over-board, the characters are put up selfishly and the nudity touches a new high.
Philip Kaufman's direction is excellent. He truly understands the subject, but the final 40-minutes play a spoilsport. Rogier Stoffers's Cinematography is satisfactory. Peter Boyle's editing is razor-sharp at times, and loose at times.
In the acting department, Geoffrey Rush as Marquis de Sade, is marvelous. Proving once again that he is amongst the best actors of Modern-Era. Joaquin Phoenix plays a commanding role, with restrain. Kate Winslet is very good, as expected. Surprisingly, Sir Michael Caine is over-the-top this time around, which disappoints you after a point.
On the whole, this ain't no path-breaking cinema, but surely, a good effort. Nearly, a Thumbs Up!