The late ’90s saw hordes of teen-type movies of all genres, featuring a slew of hot rising young stars and concepts; many scenes and scripts becoming permanent legends of cinema and even invoking the ridicule of later spoof-centric movies. No other movie has garnered more memorable lauding and late ’90s iconic status than “Cruel Intentions.” Released March 5, 1999, “Cruel Intentions” features several of Hollywood’s top young stars and hottest faces of the Generation X hall of fame.
I first saw “Cruel Intentions” in the theatre on March 19, 1999, and thought it was the best thing ever. Of course, many things enjoyed as a twenty-one-year-old out with friends on a Friday night can’t hold up versus the test of time. Would my reaction be the same now as it was then, having not watched it for fourteen years?
The plot of “Cruel Intentions” plays out in the upper echelon of Manhattan’s high society as two immensely wealthy step-siblings play a deceitful game of manipulation with the lives of several unwilling participants at the onset of a contemptible bet placed between the two. Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) is womanizing sex addict that uses his looks and his charm to score with whichever woman he so desires. Having no romantic inclining at all, Sebastian will say or promise whatever it takes in order to achieve his prize of sex, after which he dumps the heartbroken girl and moves on to his next conquest.
Sebastian’s step-sister is the alluring and equally conniving Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) a popular student with a reputation of being an innocent and flawless young woman on the surface, but in reality is a deceitful and manipulative vixen. Kathryn’s motto mimics the words of Michael Corleone – “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer” – as she uses her social standing to gain the trust of Cecile (Selma Blair), a naïve new student that she has taken under her wing and agreed to turn her into a model student. In reality, she intends to use Cecile to exact revenge on her ex-boyfriend who dumped her in favor of Cecile.
Kathryn attempts to get Sebastian to seduce Cecile, an event that would infuriate Cecile’s over protective mother; however Sebastian now has his sights set on another prize. A recent magazine article highlights Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon) and her decision to remain a virgin until she has found true love. Annette’s father is also the new headmaster at the school Kathryn and Sebastian attend, and so a sexual conquest of her will result in two accolades for the price of one.
Doubtful that Sebastian will succeed, Kathryn initiates a wager; if Sebastian can’t score with Annette, he will turn over his prized classic car. If Sebastian does succeed, Kathryn will afford him the chance to have sexual relations with her, something he has been pining after since the day they met. “I’m the only person that you can’t have and it kills you.” She coyly advises. Sebastian agrees to the wager.
Kathryn begins working on Cecile, feigning friendship while attempting to destroy her social life. Cecile’s music teacher Ronald (Sean Patrick Thomas) has developed feelings for Cecile, and Kathryn begins to use this to her advantage. Meanwhile, only interested in winning the bet, Sebastian begins his courtship of Annette. Proving difficult at first because of her perceived knowledge of his past reputation, Sebastian slowly works his way into her confidence by using a bevy of techniques including employing the assistance of his gay friend Blaine (Joshua Jackson). But does the power of true love have what it takes to crack the hardened and soulless exterior of Sebastian?
Due to a weak script and predictable premise, a movie like “Cruel Intentions” is dependent on its actors to bring forth strong performances and, while young, the stars of “Cruel Intentions” deliver on all fronts. Ryan Phillippe would be the weakest link in any other depiction, but the role of Sebastian Valmont is by far his best performance. Phillippe is masterful as the narcissistic womanizer, a completely unsympathetic character but the only one that goes through any growth during the story. Phillippe previously starred in 1997’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and after his role of Sebastian, has vaulted to the forefront of Hollywood stardom.
Fellow ’90s horror alum Sarah Michelle Gellar (also starring in “Summer” and the blockbuster “Scream 2”) was more renowned for her role on TVs “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” but steals the show as the evil seductress Kathryn. Gellar displays an icy exterior as she is willing to say or do whatever it takes to ultimately get whatever it is that she wants.
Reese Witherspoon employs a perfect blend of beauty and innocence as the target Annette, while Selma Blair delivers in a unique quirky way the role of Cecile. Though brief with screen time, other ’90s stars Joshua Jackson – who would go onto stardom in the television series “Dawson’s Creek” and Sean Patrick Thomas make the most of their character performances. Hollywood hottie Tara Reid also appears in a brief scene as Marci Greenbaum, one of Sebastian’s most recent conquests. “Cruel Intentions” also features a great soundtrack, complete with artists of the era such as Counting Crows, Bare Jr, Fatboy Slim, and The Verve.
Fourteen years since its release, “Cruel Intentions” is still a great film, full of memorable characters and concept. It’s still as sexy and fun today as it was when I first saw it in the now defunct Hoyt’s Cinema in the ramshackle Sangertown Mall.
– by Matt Christopher
