Something of a mischievous oddity as the Marquis de Sade (Geoffrey Rush) is imprisoned in Charenton, a prison for the mentally insane. His crimes (not that any charges were ever laid)? Lewd and blasphemous publications.
On the discovery that many of his writings were being smuggled out of Charenton, Napolean sends Dr. Royer-Collard (Michael Caine) to replace the Abbé du Coulmier (Joaquin Phoenix). A man famed for his torturous punishments, Royer-Collard initially deprives de Sade of his support, namely the young launderess, Madeleine (Kate Winslet), along with all luxuries in an attempt to stop the erotic and violent writings.
In an overly-sanitised setting, Rush is absorbing in his wit and madness, supported by a sparkling script. But Phoenix struggles with the emotional and cerebral depth of his role, creating an imbalance to the moral and ethical philisophies underscoring the narrative. Adapted from Doug Wright’s stageplay.
Nominated for 3 Oscars in 2001 (best actor, costume design, art design).
Rating: 62%
Director: Philip Kaufman (The Right Stuff, The Wanderers)
Writer: Doug Wright – adapted from his own stage play
Main cast: Geoffrey Rush (Shine, The King’s Speech), Kate Winslet (The Dressmaker, The Reader), Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line, Gladiator)
An Opinion or Two 