5 Ways Cruel Intentions Holds Up (And 5 Ways It Doesn’t)

As someone who grew up in a time when movies like “Cruel Intentions” were all the rage, I must say that revisiting this film today leaves me with a mixture of nostalgia and disappointment. While the film was undeniably captivating and trendy during its release, it’s hard not to notice the outdated gender dynamics, lack of diversity, and questionable attitude towards sex and consent that are glaringly evident in the narrative.

Having spent many years working with survivors of abuse and promoting healthy relationships, I find it troubling that a movie like “Cruel Intentions” romanticizes toxic behavior and normalizes sexual misconduct. It’s crucial for media to set an example and promote responsible behavior, especially in this era where victims are encouraged more than ever to speak out about their experiences.

That being said, I must admit that there were moments of the film that still hold up—the witty dialogue, the stunning costumes, and the performances by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe. It’s a bittersweet reminder of a time when teen dramas ruled the world, but it also serves as a stark reminder of how far we’ve come (or haven’t) in terms of representation and responsible storytelling.

And now, for a little humor to lighten the mood: I can’t help but wonder what Kathryn and Sebastian would say if they found out that their on-screen antics are being critically analyzed by someone like me—probably something like “Who are you, and why are you ruining our fun?” But hey, at least we can all agree they make for great Halloween costumes!

1999 saw the debut of “Cruel Intentions,” a captivating teen drama with a focus on two affluent step-siblings, Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont. Skilled in deception and malice, Kathryn proposes a wicked game to Sebastian: seduce the innocent and virtuous Annette Hargrove. If he succeeds, she promises him her own affections. The story that unfolds is one of treachery, seduction, and manipulation.

Upon its debut, the film garnered a mix of opinions. Some admired its daring approach in tackling complex, often avoided themes, while others criticized it as exploitative and morally questionable. Brimming with dark wit and bristling with edginess, the movie stirred up a bit of controversy upon release but was successful enough at the box office to gain a loyal following.

As a die-hard fan of this iconic film franchise, I can’t help but reminisce about its beginnings – the original masterpiece that started it all. Over the years, there have been numerous sequels, a television series, and even a musical adaptation on stage. However, today I’d like to revisit those original films and evaluate how they stack up against contemporary standards.

Positive: Strong Performances

As a movie enthusiast who’s seen countless films over the years, I must say that the acting in “Cruel Intentions” was truly impressive. With Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair leading the cast, it’s hard to find fault with their performances. Their talent shone brightly on screen, and I found myself thoroughly engaged by their characters and the plot. It was a refreshing change from some of the lackluster acting I’ve seen in other films, and it made for an enjoyable viewing experience overall.

The actors were highly appreciated for their dedicated portrayals, earning numerous award nominations. Among these recognitions was a victory for Reese Witherspoon at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in the category of Favorite Supporting Actress – Drama/Romance.

Ryan Phillipe’s character Sebastian showcases a blend of allure, vulnerability, arrogance, and cunningness, resulting in an intricate and captivating persona. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s portrayal of Kathryn, on the other hand, is one of the most dislikable characters of the decade due to her committed acting. Reese Witherspoon’s characteristic charm and purity shine as Annette, while Selma Blair’s depiction of the endearingly naive Cecile is considered one of her finest performances yet and adds a comedic element to the film’s otherwise somber atmosphere.

Positive: Memorable Soundtrack

At the tail-end of the ’90s, this film’s soundtrack encapsulates beautifully the flourishing alternative rock era of that decade, mirroring the movie’s somber, emotional undertones.

In this film, significant scenes are accentuated by tunes such as “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve, “Every Me and Every You” by Placebo, and “Color Blind” by Counting Crows. These tracks strike a remarkable balance between edgy and emotional, effectively reflecting the movie’s overall mood. Additionally, music from renowned electronic artists like Fatboy Slim and Faithless is strategically incorporated to heighten the drama, echoing the intensity of the characters’ actions on screen.

Positive: Exploration of Power Dynamics

Remarkably, the examination of power relationships portrayed in this work remains as pertinent now as it was upon its initial debut. Topics such as consent, manipulation, privilege, and the systemic disparity of power have resurfaced prominently in discussions in the year 2024, and appropriately so.

A significant portion of the film’s more somber aspects reflects genuine societal problems, underscoring the significance of identifying and tackling such destructive patterns that exist among us in our communities.

Positive: Quotable Dialogue

The dialogue in Cruel Intentions remains popular among fans due to its sharp, humorous, and memorable nature. Nearly every spoken word skillfully embodies the character speaking it.

Sarah Michelle Geller’s portrayal of Kathryn is remarkable for her memorable lines. For instance, “Are you not too bright? I find that appealing in a man,” showcases her self-centered and manipulative personality. Additionally, “One doesn’t become as ruthless and cold-hearted as me without picking up a few scars” encapsulates her harsh, unyielding demeanor, suggesting the emotional wounds from a life built on deceit and malice.

In other scenes, the conversation varies from light-hearted banter over an iced tea supposedly hailing from Long Island to melancholic confessions about not truly loving someone, but rather the concept of them. These lines are frequently delivered with sharp sarcasm or mischievous venom, and it’s clear that the film excels at making its dialogue stand out.

Positive: It Was Ahead of Its Time in Its Exploration of Taboo Topics

Cruel Intentions delves into a variety of intense and controversial themes, including emotional control, substance abuse, and an unconventional romantic relationship between step-siblings. Although these topics have been addressed in films before, within the realm of teen dramas, it was a brave and groundbreaking move to deviate from conventional storytelling methods.

It Paved the Way for a Generation of Edgy Teen Dramas That Followed

Typically, films with a focus on humorous romances and adolescent growth stories, such as “Clueless” and “She’s All That,” dominated the box office within the teen genre during their time. As the new millennium approached, there was a slight change in direction towards more risqué comedies about sex like “American Pie”, but the overall feel remained relatively playful.

The film “Cruel Intentions” sparked mixed reactions among critics. Some admired its bold portrayal of grimmer themes, while others perceived it as overly exploitative and distasteful.

Regardless of the varied opinions, “Cruel Intentions” was a modest hit at the box office and has since garnered a devoted fanbase, earning recognition as one of the genre’s most impactful films. Following its premiere, productions such as “Thirteen”, “Lords of Dogtown”, television series like “Gossip Girl” and “The L Word” have built upon its foundation, making “Cruel Intentions” seem fittingly contemporary among its more recent counterparts.

Negative: Problematic Portrayals of Sexuality

In many aspects, the film “Cruel Intentions” was pioneering, but its depiction of sexuality now feels quite old-fashioned and questionable. For instance, the movie’s lone openly gay character is frequently depicted in a negative manner. His romantic connections are skimmed over and not delved into with the same depth as heterosexual relationships. Instead, he is primarily used as a means for manipulation and deceit.

The way his personality and others’ responses to him regarding his sexuality might reinforce harmful stereotypes is noteworthy. In another instance, a lesbian kiss appears to serve merely as entertainment and provocation. Adding to this issue, derogatory terms against homosexuality are often used, which can be seen as problematic when viewed through modern perspectives and attitudes.

Negative: Outdated Gender Dynamics

The movie “Cruel Intentions” frequently slips into perpetuating harmful and outdated gender stereotypes. Characters like the clever manipulators or innocent pawns, women in this film are often portrayed as either tools for desire or pieces in a power struggle. This can be seen as reducing them to mere plot devices.

Sebastian’s character is delved into with greater complexity and insight compared to most of his female counterparts, who often fall into stereotypical roles as either virtuous or wicked characters, seldom encountering the same level of ethical examination.

Negative: Lack of Diversity

As a fan, I must admit that the main cast in the movie “Cruel Intentions” is predominantly white. To my knowledge, aside from the help at the mansion, the character of Ronald, the music tutor, stands out as the only individual of color throughout the entire film. Unfortunately, Ronald’s character is somewhat problematic, with questionable morals and a lack of depth in his role. He seems to serve more as a plot device rather than a fully-fleshed character.

In a time when people are eager for more varied representation and diversity on screen, the movie “Cruel Intentions” sadly fails to deliver, revealing a lack of diverse viewpoints within its storyline.

Negative: Questionable Attitude Towards Sex and Consent

In this movie, which aims to focus on themes such as manipulation and dishonesty, its problematic approach towards sexual content, particularly its portrayal of consent that borders on harmful, is concerningly disregarded. A specific instance where Sebastian pressures Cecile into a sexual encounter is highly unsettling. Instead of depicting this scene as a “sexual awakening” for Cecile, the film could be inadvertently presenting it as a potentially traumatic event in her life that deserves more sensitivity and awareness.

The movie’s refusal to address the problematic nature of a scene and its failure to impose consequences is not just distasteful, but potentially hazardous as well. This omission might give the impression that sexual misconduct is acceptable, which is concerning in today’s climate where victims of such acts are encouraged, more than ever, to come forward with their stories.

Negative: Romanticizing Toxic Behavior

Sebastian and Kathryn are extremely cruel individuals who seem to derive satisfaction from other people’s suffering. The movie portrays their actions as an intriguing and sophisticated game, although it sometimes borders on exploitation. A significant portion of their deceitful actions and problematic sexual attitudes are used to create a sense of excitement.

The transformation of Sebastian’s character in the movie doesn’t make up for its portrayal of harmful actions as romantic. Despite his terrible behavior throughout, a late shift in sentiment suggesting he may have genuine feelings is intended to elicit empathy from viewers. However, this implies that a series of abusive actions can be forgiven with a sudden change of heart, ignoring the deep emotional damage his behavior could cause for those affected.

2024-12-29 04:34