Quills
(2000)
Rated: R
Runtime: 2 Hours and 4 Minutes
Reviewer: Dale
Grade: A+"I've a naughty little tale to tell..." With these words begins "Quills" which, indeed, is a naughty little tale and it is told with extraordinary finesse and craftsmanship.
The story concerns the Marquis De Sade (played to the hilt by Geoffrey Rush), infamous writer of stories that are both sexually explicit and charged with violence. He has revolutionized the world of sex in print with his lurid tales of shocking sexual deviancy and, for his trouble, has been committed to the mental institution of Charenton. His ward at Charenton is a kind, compassionate clergyman Coulmier (the indominable Joaquin Phoenix) who allows the Marquis the privilege of continuing to write. He believes that, by writing, the Marquis will be able to purge the demons which assail his soul and, in such a way, get them out of his system.
What Coulmier doesn't know, however, is that his stories are being smuggled to a publisher by Madeleine (Kate Winslet, who proves that her fine work in "Titanic" was no fluke), a chambermaid in the institution whose imagination is inflamed by the dark tales of the Marquis.
The publishing of his latest book invokes the wrath of the Emperor Napoleon, who sends a sadistic doctor (I know, I know, I couldn't resist) to "Cure" him with his questionable methods.
"Quills" benefits from a cornucopia of wonderful elements that all work nicely together. Each of the principal actors is a revelation here. Geoffrey Rush has never been bad in anything I have seen him in, but he has never been as good as he is here. He is one of the few front runners in mind for best actor. He gives a wonderful, eccentric performance that paints the
Marquis somewhere between genius, tortured poet, Madman and AntiChrist. It's a breathtaking tightrope walk that never falters. Joaquin Phoenix is simply astounding in the role of the abbot who has taken charge of the Marquis and is dealing with him in his own, quiet way. I recall that my only doubt as I entered the theater for "Gladiator" was the fact that Joaquin was in it. Well, after this movie, I will never doubt him again. In fact, I await whatever he does next with baited breath. He is sensational here. With this and his work in "Gladiator", he is easily the year's best supporting actor. And Kate Winslet is exquisite in this film. She has marvelous chemistry with the Marquis as well as Joaquin and she also gives her character many levels to operate on, doing so with such ease that you don't even realize that you are seeing a performance. I need to see more of this woman's movies. Michael Caine is good here as well, sinking his teeth into a meaty role. He may not be giving the performance of his life here, but he is better than he was in last year's "The Cider House Rules".
The performances are amazing, yes, but the script is more than their equal. It is pungent, wickedly funny, shrewd, lewd and astounding. I can tell that this movie started out as a play, it has that wonderful theatrical quality to it, which is never a bad thing. Doug Wright should be congratulated for his script work here, which brings up thought-provoking and timely issues and gives the viewer immense food for thought all the while keeping them on the edge of their seat and marvelously entertained. Praise should also go to Philip Kaufman, whose work here has gotten the best out of a great script and a sterling cast.
Add all those elements together, and you have the makings of a movie with lots on its mind and a remarkable bite. This is a film that demands to be seen and demands to be at the top of any Best of 2000 List. It is a towering achievement in a year that, at the end, got a whole fuck of a lot better.