MovieChat Forums > Dangerous Liaisons (1989) Discussion > John Malkovich, unlikely heartthrob?

John Malkovich, unlikely heartthrob?


I just want opinions of the ladies (and gents if you are that way inclined) as to whether John gets you going in this movie? My wife finds Malkovich incredibly sexy at the worst of times, so when it comes to this movie she's quite taken by his performance as you'd imagine! Is she alone here, or does he do it for you?

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Nevertheless, I can't understand how he managed to seduce young innocent Cecile. I can somewhat understand madame de Tourvel, even though she had been faultlessly faithful to her husband until then. But how Valmont got her way with Cecilie still boggles me. And I also don't understand how Danceny could be seduced by marquise de Merteuil. Because both she and Valmont were rather nasty.

Yes, it's true! IMDB has reached Sweden!

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Very attractive.....

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Um, YES, very attractive. I would have been one of those dumb women who was seduced, quite easily. There's just something about him- sublimely sexy and just such a lothario- loved him in this film. He IS Valmont...

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Not exactly what i would call a heartthrob. But he was amazingly attractive as Valmont. In fact, i find myself falling in love with valmont. He is the perfect character for valmont. He really has a certain magnetism. the way he speaks, his stares. all in all, rather sexy.

so, YES... i'm sooo attracted to valmont. i would so totally love him if he was real though that's just stupid. but can't help it.

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I guess I'm in the minority here but I find him extremely unattractive! I don't believe that women would find him sexy, sensuous or handsome if he was a regular guy walking past them in the mall. His eyes are misplaced and he's got really bad teeth....truly creepy looking.

As it relates to the film, his voice, mannerisms and entire presence lacked appeal from the beginning. Sure, there are guys out there that aren't the most attractive but have a certain charisma or energy about them -- I did not get that from him at all. And I don't like the "bad boy" persona.... pathological lying and narcissism do not turn me on.

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I found him quite attractive. I really did. Like at the end, when he's remembering her and he can't fight, I find it very sweet =).

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I find talent attractive, and I think Malkovich is one of the most talented actors in the business today. So yes. And I think the role of Valmont is best portrayed by someone who isn't traditionally good looking, but exudes sensuality and charm. The guy who did the role in my college production was very much the same way.

I pronounce you man and wife. Proceed with the execution.

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He was terrific in this film. I thought he was sexy as hell. Despicable, for sure, but since he repented in the end, it was impossible to despise him totally.
I thought this was a great movie, intelligent and full of interesting performances. And none as interesting as Malkovich. All the little touches in his portrayal, just awesome. I seem to remember there was talk of a little romance off-screen with Michelle Pfeiffer.

Glenn Close and Michelle Pfieffer were nominated for acting Oscars, and not Malkovich. That's insane!

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Yes, if I saw him walking down the street I'd rate him as below average looking.

BUT I'm attracted to excellence, and he's SUCH an amazing actor that I can't help being attracted to the person.

Another example would be the lead actor in The pianist. Not conventionally beautiful. But a great actor.

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I agreed. No nomination for John Malkovich was the insane part! He's definitely the best Valmont I've seen by far. And you're right, he had a little off-screen with Michelle Pfeiffer which cost his marriage but these two broke up same year.

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Totally agree! Malkovich was terribly underrated in this film. He should get as much praise as Glenn Close got!

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I thought he was very, very sexy in this film. Not only is his face incredibly attractive, but he displays a unique intellect, maturity, and sensuality that is so rare in most movies. I also thought he was quite sexy in "Empire of the Sun"...

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I think he is very sexy absolutely.

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I'm 20 I saw this movie for the first time because of John. I found him a delight to watch. I have always found him very attractive in weird ways and at different times. His voice is the biggest thing that I find the most attractive about him and then his presence in the films he's in. My favorite characters he's played is Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in the movie Mary Reilly. I know a lot of people think that movie wasn't very good but I sure thought it was. But yeah a heartthrob no attractive in a strange way yes.

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He 's not a heartthrob by any measures ...especially for me! but his preformance in this movie made me feel he is like " the sexiest guy in that time " . It is a pity most movie heart-throbes can't give such preformance .

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I definitely think he has a charm about him. This may sound weird but for me it's his voice. It just has this quality that's just so sensual. I love to hear him talk!

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