A biopic of the last days of the notorious Marquis de Sade, this suceeds on every level being both a finely acted and beautifully shot period drama whilst raising questions of sexual liberation and the possible consequences if its taken to extremes. ... (read more) A biopic of the last days of the notorious Marquis de Sade, this suceeds on every level being both a finely acted and beautifully shot period drama whilst raising questions of sexual liberation and the possible consequences if its taken to extremes. Kaufman's superb cast are pitch-perfect from Phoenix's devoted yet troubled Abbe to Amelia Warner's beautiful trophy wife who finds esacpe through the Marquis' writings. Michael Caine's usual cockney gruffness actually works well in context as the hypocritical doctor who aims to silence the Marquis, but its Geoffrey Rush's central performace that's key. Quite simply Rush is perfect - delivering a rowdy and malevolent performance in a role he was clearly born to play, and still finding the tragic heart of a man born into a time that couldn't cope with his extremes. The plot takes a left turn at the end, particularly with Caine's character that doesn't feel so believable, but until then Quills is a fabulous yet tragic paean to the power of sexual liberation, years before the 1960s.

The indomitable and contagious spirit of artist expression coupled with utter madness. Based on the true story of the Marquis de Sade as he is kept locked away in a mental asylum; an attempt to purge his writings from contaminating French society du... (read more) The indomitable and contagious spirit of artist expression coupled with utter madness. Based on the true story of the Marquis de Sade as he is kept locked away in a mental asylum; an attempt to purge his writings from contaminating French society during the 18th century, but as he cannot help to contain himself, and the system cannot keep him repressed, as he will not stop at any length to express himself. Geoffrey Rush is delightfully wicked, and just as engrossing are Michael Caine, Joaquin Phoenix and Kate Winslet; representing the different aspects of society within the asylum trying to quarantine his madness; cure him of his wickedness; and then there are those that, just as he is compelled to write, those that cannot help but be compelled to keep reading.

Quills has a pretty impressive cast; Geoffery Rush and Michael Caine for example, and they do their best to keep this movie chugging along, but everyone involved appears to feel confined by the shortcomings of the script, much like the Marquis de Sad... (read more) Quills has a pretty impressive cast; Geoffery Rush and Michael Caine for example, and they do their best to keep this movie chugging along, but everyone involved appears to feel confined by the shortcomings of the script, much like the Marquis de Sade character feels in his cell. In the end, this movie joins the ranks of others movies that try to be more than they are.

Really intense. The actors defintly deserves the credit;)

its a bit scary...but very deeply . Artistic movie...but very scary to me...
Artistic Rating is high level. but, this is very hard to me.if you hope fun, if you dont hope Art. you cant get good maybe.

Kaufman ... finds a tone that remains more entertaining than depressing, more absorbing than alarming.

The dramatic case is too settled, the narrative trajectory too smug, the view of the transgressive artist too naive.

It's an unapologetic dazzler, which is why it's never overwhelmed by its themes.