“Cruel Intentions” is a 1999 American teen drama film directed by Roger Kumble and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair. The film is a modern adaptation of the 18th-century novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.
The story follows two wealthy step-siblings, Sebastian Valmont (Phillippe) and Kathryn Merteuil (Gellar), who make a bet with each other over whether Sebastian can seduce Annette Hargrove (Witherspoon), the headmaster’s daughter who has recently published an article about saving herself for marriage. As they try to manipulate and destroy the lives of those around them for their own selfish purposes, their game becomes increasingly dangerous and destructive.
The film received mixed reviews upon its release, but has since gained a cult following and is often cited as a quintessential teen movie of the late 1990s. It also spawned two direct-to-video sequels, “Cruel Intentions 2” (2000) and “Cruel Intentions 3” (2004), as well as a short-lived television series adaptation in 2016.
Casts
Here are the main actors in “Cruel Intentions” (1999) and the characters they played:
- Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil
- Ryan Phillippe as Sebastian Valmont
- Reese Witherspoon as Annette Hargrove
- Selma Blair as Cecile Caldwell
- Louise Fletcher as Helen Rosemond
- Joshua Jackson as Blaine Tuttle
- Eric Mabius as Greg McConnell
- Sean Patrick Thomas as Ronald Clifford
- Christine Baranski as Bunny Caldwell
- Alaina Reed Hall as Nurse
There were also several notable cameo appearances in the film, including Swoosie Kurtz as Dr. Greenbaum and Tara Reid as Marci Greenbaum.
Production
“Cruel Intentions” was directed and written by Roger Kumble, based on the novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The film was produced by Neal H. Moritz and co-produced by William Tyrer.
The music for the film was composed by Ed Shearmur, and the cinematography was done by Theo van de Sande. The film’s editing was handled by Jeff Freeman.
“Cruel Intentions” was produced by Columbia Pictures and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. The film was made on a budget of $10.5 million and grossed over $75 million worldwide, making it a commercial success.
Reviews
When “Cruel Intentions” was released in 1999, it received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the performances of the lead actors and the film’s modernization of the source material, while others criticized the film’s sexual content and lack of depth.
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 48% based on 82 reviews, with an average rating of 5.3/10. The site’s consensus reads, “Cruel Intentions may be entertaining for some, but most critics disliked the film’s strong sexual themes and melodramatic plot.”
However, over the years, the film has gained a cult following and has been reassessed by some critics. In 2019, for example, Vanity Fair published an article titled “In Defense of ‘Cruel Intentions,’ the Greatest Teen Movie of All Time,” arguing that the film was ahead of its time and deserves more credit than it initially received.
Ultimately, the critical reception of “Cruel Intentions” has been somewhat divided, with some praising its dark, edgy take on the teen movie genre, while others criticize its exploitative and melodramatic qualities.
Where Are They Now
Here is a brief update on some of the main cast members of “Cruel Intentions” and what they have been up to since the film’s release:
- Sarah Michelle Gellar: After “Cruel Intentions,” Gellar went on to star in several successful films and TV shows, including “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and “The Grudge.” She has also worked as a producer and entrepreneur, and has been married to actor Freddie Prinze Jr. since 2002.
- Ryan Phillippe: Since “Cruel Intentions,” Phillippe has appeared in a number of films, including “Crash,” “Gosford Park,” and “Flags of Our Fathers.” He has also had recurring roles on TV shows such as “Shooter” and “Big Sky.” In his personal life, Phillippe has been involved in several high-profile relationships and has three children.
- Reese Witherspoon: Witherspoon has had a highly successful career since “Cruel Intentions,” starring in films such as “Legally Blonde,” “Walk the Line,” and “Wild.” She has also worked as a producer and activist, and is the founder of the media company Hello Sunshine. Witherspoon has been married to talent agent Jim Toth since 2011 and has three children.
- Selma Blair: Blair has continued to act in films and TV shows since “Cruel Intentions,” including roles in “Hellboy,” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” and “Another Life.” In 2018, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and has since become an advocate for MS research and awareness.
Overall, the main cast members of “Cruel Intentions” have all continued to have successful careers in the entertainment industry, with many of them branching out into producing, activism, and other pursuits as well.
