Quills

What you get out of this idiosyncratic movie depends heavily, far more than in most movies, on what you bring to it. The Marquis himself and treatment of him will evoke any of many different feelings, depending on the viewer's background and beliefs. I choose not to touch on those feelings, except to say that Rush, Winslet, Phoenix, and all the rest did exceptional jobs in dealing with this complex character and setting.

I'm not forgetting Michael Caine, by the way. Instead, I single him out for special recognition. His rendering of the viciousness that de Sade's name attached to is outdone only by the genteel and brutal hypocrisy he brought to his character. Caine has done it before, when he created a startlingly similar character in an utterly different setting, in The Statement. Perhaps, in Quills, the character has slightly more awareness of his own dark nature. Outside of that, I find the characters nearly interchangeable.

Given the character it describes and the state of mental health care in the first years of the nineteenth century, many won't find this easy to watch. If you tolerate it, though, its musings on just which lunatics are running the asylum might lead you analogies in many parts of today's society.

-- wiredweird

Great movie. A drama but funny. Not one to be watched if you don't have a lot of time, it seemed a bit long.

Absolutely one of the best history films. Kate Winslet and Geoffrey Rush, who can beat this combination! The story of Marquis de Sade with the turn you would never expect. It wasn't a box office hit, that's why it is worth of watching. Over and over.

Of famous de Sad story is interesting rather for its contemporary depicting then transvestites and sexual performances than of actions and historical issues real.

If no other entertainment, it is good for watching from a bed nighttimes.

This is a good, thought not great, movie. I was rather disappointed in its simplifying of the life of Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade, aka the Marquis de Sade, into a rather boring, staid debate on free speech and its limits (or whether it should have any limits). Contrary to popular belief, de Sade was a much more complex figure than people give him credit for. While he was an indulgent libertine for most of his life, when he decided to start writing (at a comparitively late age), he threw himself into it totally and wrote some of the most startling and terrifying literature ever written. He was a great writer, though an incredibly bleak, twisted one. This film just seems to concentrate on the usual "individual freedom vs. the state" stuff, along with "artistic freedom", and honestly, it's boring. It's almost like they tried to sugarcoat de Sade, which is not the thing to do with him. Not to mention de Sade did not die like he did in this film. Nothing like that. De Sade died rather quietly, not chewing on a rosary while in the arms of the inquistor (Michael Caine's character).

The film is very well shot, with excellent performances by all, especially Geoffrey Rush as de Sade and Michael Caine as his main tormentor. It's directed by Philip Kaufman, a very underrated director who has made many extraordinary films (Henry and June and The Right Stuff for example). This is not an abysmal film, but it's nowhere what it shoudl be. It's a tame biography of one of the most notorious (yet brilliant) writers ever to be seen by humanity. Being a student of de Sade, I have to take exception with the rather simplistic way this story was rendered, and honestly, Kaufman should have known better.

This movie was just creepy.....I can't believe I sat through the whole thing.

Not really worth seeing. Geoffrey Rush is comical in his depiction of the Marquis de Sade, but the film in general stinks. Kate Winslet and Joaquin Phoenix add nothing to stop the stink fest. A little gore adds to the mix to create a truly unwatchable film

The movie and its storyline were good enough. It is a thought-provoking movie. The acting is excellent, and the individual actors do their characterizations wonderfully. The film was funny and amusing at times, but is decidedly grim. The period costumes are excellent. Maybe the movie itself should be rated 'good', or better, and the ratings category (G, R,etc) should be NC-17. How 17 year olds off the street can walk in and see this movie is beyond me. It is definitely NOT a kids movie! Kids generally will only see this more for its sexual content than its classic achievements as the sexual factor appears to predominate the storyline. Also, to respond to a comments by 'mindblind': such comments are typical from 16 year olds, just like we get Playboy and Penthouse for the classic content and articles......

You don't have to look hard for the humor is this movie, but it is quite violent in sections. Geoffery Rush deserves an oscar for his performance.

Very disappointing!

Anyone that says this movie is pornographic, had no business seeing it in the first place. Most people know that the Marquis put the "SADE" in SADISM. If you did not know who De Sade was before you saw the film, you certainly do now! It may not have been historically correct, but it was a fantastic film! For those who don't like it due to it's lack of historical accuracy, maybe you would have liked it better if they changed Marquis' name. This movie had me hooked from the opening scene. This is a good representation of what is evil, can sometimes be disguised as good. The other members of the institution are the unsung hero's of the movie. I havn't seen a movie this good, down to the most minute details in a long time. If you liked Dangerous Liasons, you should like this as well.

I must admit, that when I was first told about this movie...I really had no desire to watch it. It had seem'd to me, that it would absolutely bore me. But upon renting, and watching it...I could not tear my eyes away from it within the first 5 minutes. This movie absolutely entranced me. I had never really heard of the Marquis DeSade before this movie...except from what the clerk at the movie store told me. From watching this movie, I have learned where S&M came from. Rush gave an absolutely AMAZING performance. Rush has always been one of my favorite actors, and is an extraordinary performance artist. But I do believe that he has absolutely out done himself in "Quills". And of course Winslet, is one of those actress' who just claim your attention upon entering any scene. I do believe, she did a wonderful job in this movie. She portrayed her character, in what I believe the best mix, of innocence, lust, and adventurous. She is a lovely actress. And then of course there is Phoenix, who although most of the movie, played a besotted young priest, trying to deny himself...came through whole heartedly towards then end of the movie...while losing himself. This movie is a wonderful portrayal of lust, greed, hate, intense sexuality, and the ultimate price of passion. Whether that passion be writing, sex, love, or hate. This movie moved me as no other has. And I bow down to the wonder and amazement of this enticing story.

Well, what a great assortment of comments. Especially from those disagreeing with the rating! I think that there was nothing pornographic or exploitive about sex. None of the advertisements I saw portrayed this movie as a sexual movie, therefore, no "kids" (by the way, are we no longer awknowledging the maturity difference between a 7 year old and a 17 year old?) would be attracted to this movie for the sexual content. Lets just assume that the folks who see this movie are adult and mature enough to take from the movie what it is offering. A impactful story about love, sex, hypocrisy, art, and censorship... The movie was wonderfully acted and directed. The costuming was great, the sets were great and the movie, despite some grim themes, was uplifting and empowering. I hope everyone enjoys this film, I know it is on my top 10.

My comment is in referrence to all those that think people under 17 (maybe 21) shouldn't be allowed to see this. I personally am 16 years old and have watched the movie, NOT for its sexual content. The comment made by atomicsox is degrading to those my age who can think, and are not hormone driven like "adults" think we are. "Kids" should be allowed to choose to see that movie. Now if they miss it's deeper and more mind triggering meaning then that is their loss, and they might want to see the movie again when they are more mature. Albeit, those should not be deprived of seeing a psycological and moving film, on account of some ignorance, and controlling (there are other words to supplement there) adults. You should be educating young adults on this matter of life (cause it's not going to go away), not hiding and depriving an opportunity to learn about humans, cause that's what we are.

Just read the guidelines for writing comments and you stated you love to laugh. I'm sure you were amused at one of your Rate-Its who believes that sexuality is the only thing that binds us humans together. That statement makes me want to cry for the poor unfortunate soul who lives a life believing that. The same writer also states that the human race is nothing more than cattle. Thank God... said writer can do more than Moo...he did give "Quills" 5 stars, which is about what a cow WOULD give it. Another comment from another writer states that "Quills" was about the "writter"Marque who wrote about his passions and sexual urges that in that time were considered wrong. Have I missed something or is it not still considered wrong to capture under age girls for sexual exploitation. I guess masturbating into a Chalice would not be termed wrong but is there anyone out there in Cyber Space who thinks some things are morally wrong? Another writer thinks the film represents freedom......and I ask freedom to do what??? Does the Rate-It not believe that any freedom carries the profound weight of responsibility? This is a pornographic film and its scary that our society today gives 5 stars to pornography all the while worshiping a Golden Calf they call, "FREEDOM"

Joaquin Phoenix should have won an oscar for his performance!

Not knowing what to expect from a movie on such a "touchy" and difficult subject matter (having read a little of the Marquis' writings) I have to admit I was both impressed and enthralled. This is not a boring movie and the acting for the most part is wonderful. I recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor and not easily offended. I would like to add I saw this movie feeling depressed after a bad week. Amazingly I left the theatre feeling uplifted and better about many things. I am NOT going to analyze that too deeply! Just go see it. Fall into the story, color, language and costumes & Enjoy!

Background flashbacks were lacking.

kate Winslet is profeesional and talented, and movie with her in it is a winner.

Having researched de Sade extensively in college, in connection to Surrealism, and having read some of his works because I am the curious kind, I was very interested to see this film. I believe de Sade to be a highly interesting character, though having read Justine and 100 Days of Sodom in full I can't say he was the most gifted novelist on the planet. I have admired, however, his candor and freedom from the constraints which conventional morality too often has on artistic endeavors. i was glad that the film made an attempt (however lacking in subtlety) to address the issues of censorship and the limits of morality. I was thrilled by Geoffrey Rush's totally engaging performance. he truly portrayed the lascivious appeal which one can imagine the Marquis must have posessed to some degree. (Although from portraits I have seen, plus the overblown style of his writing, i doubt that de Sade posessed a fraction of Geoffrey Rush's grace.) What i despised about this film was its complete lack of historical accuracy, its inane dialogue (except for certain very blackly funny one-line zingers uttered entirely by Rush), its ridiculously predictable Hollywood "suspenseful" plot "twists" (yawn!), its total lack of any truly erotic energy, and its (again, Hollywood) submission to cliche "erotic" scenarios (priests, nuns, come on!). It would have been far more interesting (as is the case with too many big-time Hollywood productions) to focus more energy on character development (esp. that of the laundress) and less on plot twist after plot twist. And not to be so damned predictable. The priest and the laundress should not fall in love/lust. That's so trite! Michael Caine's doctor character should not be so obviously The Bad Guy. And on and on and on... All in all, I can't praise this as a great movie. Rush was great, sets were interestingly done, the very first scene was quite good, but none of this can save a mediocre (and inaccurate) plot. But this is just my humble opinion! Most people, I'm sure, will love it.

Geoffrey Rush is an absolute genius. Kate Winslet is the most beautiful woman in the world. When I walked out of the theatre I hated this movie, an hour later, I loved it. The quills represent freedom and, once more, this movie emphasized the fact: without freedom we die.

Geoffrey Rush is utterly terrifiying this is incredible film.. Also-Micheal Caine-after the feel good "Cider HOuse" to play such a monster-wow..

My friend and fellow reviewer, The Marquis (who loved this movie so much he "borrowed" the name) asked me to go along with him to see this movie. I hadn't heard much of it except for it's sexual brutality. Needless to say within 5 minutes I was totally engrossed in the film. Take a brilliant performance by Geoffrey Rush, add in Michael Caine and along with a great story (although fictionalized somewhat) and you've got an Oscar-deserving movie. The review by The Marquis was a bit harsh on the Joaquin Phoenix, but accent aside he also puts on a great performance-not quite the caliber of Rush and Caine but everyone needs to start somewhere. This film is not for everyone but if you want to laugh and yet be shocked by the way this movie displays hypocrisy then go and enjoy this film.

Altho I am supposedly at an age (61) - W/F where this type of movie should shock me, I was merely profoundly moved! 5 days after seeing it I am still disturbed by the images and story portrayed. I thought the casting was excellent and Geoffrey Rush deserves all the awards he might possibly be nominated for!! Altho I truly enjoy all the "brain candy" movies - this one had a impact on me that will last a very long time!!!

In reading the works of the Marquis Desade, and being a writer myself, I find that when you exercise areas of your mind that bend human ferocity it is a doorway of individualism and identity, not just for the writer, but for what is seen through this particular artist. Sexuality is the binding element between humans, and as life grows so the structure of our existence will be altered. The human race as a whole are nothing more than cattle, wether they want to admit it, or not, and as cattle passes on and moves in certain directions when ordered to there will always be the necessity to disobey, and to rip, and to tear what is imagined as sacred. Sex is a weapon if it is utilized as such, and every person on this planet in one way or another, including myself most of all, will strike out at another persons heart 'just because you can'. I am not saying that indulging oneself with aggressive attack on another persons pysche is an old/new way to exercise your own personal prowess, however, I am intending to make the fragile point that it is in human nature for us to hurt one another's feelings through sex and through mere conversation. As a human animal on this planet I can truly say that the work of the Marquis Desade is more than a realm of free expression it is a teaching tool for the human spirit. Only tender minds have difficulty with adventurous sex and having one's heart hurt. This will happen, and as a person can torture themself with emotional negligence so they can feed a new purpose to describe their own private angers, frustrations, inhibitions, and nihilistic desires that open up new realms of mental terror through art, sex, and the scent of the human mind. I agree with Vegan Pride, I would give the movie another star, only six not seven, but only five are allowed. All these unnecessary rules.

I finally got to see this movie and I was thrilled! It was beautifully done and wickedly funny (even if it wasn't historically accurate but hey, that's Hollywood)! However, I would not recommend this movie to everyone...I would say if you have a closed mind, no sense of humor and are easily offended then don't see this movie. But if you like to be thrilled, shocked, amused and touched see it. It's not just a movie about sex...it's about sexual expression, sexual repression, censorship, hypocrisy, forbidden love...I could go on and on. Rush was amazing, Winslet was perfect...I would have given it more stars but they only allow me 5.

With the release of "Quills", the film version of Doug Wright's play about the final days of the infamous Marquis Desade, with a script by the playwright himself, we are reminded what power the medium has the potential to command. The film presents a largely fictionalized account of the last days of the Marquis Desade (Geoffrey Rush), confined to the Charenton institution for the insane. Through his interactions with a young laundress, Madeleine (Kate Winslett), an initially idealistic young priest, Abbe De Coulmier (Joaquin Phoenix) and the cruel, authoritarian Dr. Royer-Collard (Michael Caine), the author explores issues of censorship, religion and hypocrisy (Why do those three subjects complement each other so well?). The film, while lacking the visceral immediacy of the play, has an inherent realism and intimacy that compensates for any losses. The attention to detail is exquisite, from the clothing to the closeups revealing stained, unpleasant teeth. The performances are superb, particularly those of Oscar winners Caine and Rush. Joaquin Phoenix is by far the weakest link, attempting an annoying approximation of an English accent, presumably in order to sound like the rest of the cast, though since the film is set in France, the reasoning here becomes convoluted. However, Phoenix's relative weaknesses are more than compensated for. This film is not for everyone. It is uncompromisingly grim. Grimmer, even, than the historical fact of it's subject matter. Those looking for romance, in any conventional sense, and a happy ending will be disappointed on both counts. However, the film does reward by delivering uncompromising energy and unremitting intensity for those who choose to approach it seriously.

It was so refreshing seeing this movie after having a bad year for movies. Sure, there were the blockbusters like Gladiator, Patriot and The Grinch but overall, I have been really disappointed in the movies out this past year, until I saw Quills last weekend. I left the theater thrilled to have seen a funny, dramatic, well done, great movie. It stars Geoffery Rush (from Shining), Kate Winslet, and Joequin Phoenix (sp?). The three of them were amazing in this movie. Quills was about the writter/playwrite Marque. Marque wrote about his passions and human sexual urges that in that time were considered wrong. Writing was his life. It is what kept him sane. In this film, you see the power of his writing on others, on himself and the destruction when writing is taken away from him. I really don't want to say too much more because I really want people to go see this movie. It was so good. From the previews, you might think it would be slow but it is full of emotions, drama, action. I wasn't bored at all. I really recommend going and seeing this movie, you will be pleasently surprised. And a side note to hkill, sex can be dirty, or beautiful, or fun, or playful, or twisted. It can be a lot of things. It can be seen as art and Quills not only shows the passion in sex, but the passion in living and human experiences. It explores a lot more topics than just sex. It is about love as well. Censorship, power, corruption, greed, friendship, religion. If you could get your chaste belt off, you might see that.

While reading your opinions on this movie I was astonished. In all sincerity I can't image how you guys could have possibly seen this movie for more than a vulgar pornographic flick. I can't believe that seventeen year old children can walk in off the street and see this film, for this our society's moral standards should be reviewed. One would have to agree that all played their roles well..they were all full of emotion and very dramatic. Still I just can't see how anyone would find a film that makes sex look so dirty, so amazingly good. Most at our show left appauled. Anyone who enjoys this movie would have to be slightly twisted and lacking something in their own sexual relations. I just really feel that this movie should have been rated NC-17.

My best friend told me that Quills was an amazing movie, but I only thought he said that because it was about sex. However, my boyfriend and I saw it together and were both in tears at the end. A masterful piece, it takes somewhat vulgar bubject matter and transforms it into a powerful story of love, sanity, and censorship. The squeamish should not attend, but others should. The movie speaks for itself.

This is a wonderful film. See it. Think for youself.

Although some may be swayed by the sexually brutal and vulgar aspects of the main character and the movie as a whole, Quills is actually a very profound film with an important message (watch the movie to find out what!) This film was shocking, perverse, devilishly funny and revealing; in more ways than one may think. A spine chilling score adds to the suspense, as the film explores the depts of evil. The most appealing character, the Marquis de Sade, superbly portrayed by Geoffrey Rush, is an 18th century author imprisoned in a mental institution for the publication of his blasphemous and erotic novels. His aggressive nature, twisted ideas of sexual pleasure, wicked sarcasm, delightful insanity and yes, even a little bit of tenderness are sure to keep the audience well entertained. Kate Winslet and Joaquin Pheonix (Gladiator) put on excellent performances as well. I found this film to be delightfully refreshing as compared to the main-stream "entertainment" and I was impressed with its depth and irony. If you didn't like it, you probably need to get past the surface layer of sexual vulgarity. But one thing I can guarantee is that you will not be bored with this movie.