Marquis de Sade

This film presents a wildly inaccurate portrayal of the historical De Sade ( - even getting his name wrong ...Donatien Aldonse, not Donatien Alphonse, is the man's correct name.) And it is a shame as De Sade is a richly complex character who, when honestly examined, illuminates a time of great change in france's opinions of madness, justice, priviledge and morality. This film-maker's treatment of history resemble's that of Winston's in the correction room at the ministry of truth in Orwell's 1984. This film approches the nadir of the continuing misunderstanding of genius right along side Mickey Rourkes portrayal of Charles Bukowski as Snagglepuss the Effeminant Beatnik Lion in the otherwise enjoyable movie, Barfly. All that aside, the film does serve as an occasion for some arousing nude photography and the depiction of erotic scenes of humiliation and torture. The women used for the elegant opening credit sequence are voluptous and beautifully depicted and certainly worth the price of a rental.

The revisionist history -- making the evil Marquis de Sade a semi-heroic romantic -- is mind-boggling enough. But the atrocious acting, amateurish cinematography and terrible dubbing make this film achingly bad. The only reason to keep watching is that almost all the women in the film are gorgeous. And, amazingly, being tortured for days, with hands bound overhead, apparently doesn't detract from a woman's beauty, hairstyle and makeup. My guess is that the producers filmed mostly in Russia, choosing women for their looks -- and willingness to work cheap -- rather than acting ability. If you decide to watch this because you have nothing better to do, or are a film student looking for bad examples, fast-forward through every scene not involving nudity.

I really don't know much about the Marquis de Sade, not having read any of his book, but I never imagined him as a flaming queen. Carson Kressley of Queer Eye For the Straight Guy, or Jack from Will and Grace would have fit easily into the role that Nick Mancuso gave us.

The movie itself was rather thin and seemed more of a parody - or an excuse to show the Paris whorehouse several times with men and women having a good time on the couches in the parlor. What? They can't afford a room? I did find it cute that the Madame (Irina Malysheva) felt she was doing her patriotic duty taking care of the soldier's needs.

The movie was just an excuse to show a lot of breasts - and I mean a lot! Fans of Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) might be interested in seeing him in a different role as Inspector Marais.

This role may be one of Nick Mancuso's best. He finally seems as though the character fits into his skin, and his lines are not forced or hazy in any way. The script leaves little to be desired in the way of a plot and dialogue, truly. It isn't historically accurate, but that isn't the point. For a movie with an X-rating, it struck me as suprisingly witty and deep at some times. If you can find it, it's a good way to spend an evening.

First this movie claims "Based on the true story of the notorious Marquis de Sade." but in fact is pure fiction. Do not expect any historical accuracies. While Nick Mancuso looks like he had a fun time playing the role of the Marquis, much of the cast could have used acting lessons before filming began. Still, there was not much of a role for Mr. Mancuso to play anyway. The story attempts to build but never gets off the ground. The final scene that it does build to is a complete let down. After 92 minutes I felt cheated. The only thing left for some people to watch is for a few glimpses of bare breasts, usually very brief and in dark rooms. I am just glad this movie is over and I can watch something interesting like paint drying on the wall.