The Other Side of Period Pieces
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Written by Hollywood Suite
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Mon, 01/23/12 - 17:58
Beauty and Elelegance on the Outside - Filth and Fornication Within!
So I know for many –“Period Pieces” or “Costume Drama’s” are just “Chick Flick’s” in fancy dresses or the re-telling of the books you suffered through in high school English. However, as one of those few who have always loved them - tights, dresses and all - I thought I would try to woo some of you into giving these great films a chance by exposing their darker and dare I say, dirty sides.
So unfortunately, the Jane Austen collection – Emma, Sense & Sensibility, Mansfield Park and the likes – do contain some scandal and the odd dirty romp, but not even I can argue that, for the most part, these films are romantic tales that make us women swoon and men cringe as they are forced to watch them - normally under duress!
BUT there is a whole other group of Costume Drama’s that are thematically closer to The Hangover and Superbad than Something Borrowed! They almost become a “how to” book for men. How to get away with bad behavior in style that most women might mistake as charming! This month we are featuring costume dramas from both categories and I thought I would highlight a few of the latter for all you men out there; movies that you can watch with your girlfriend (who will be enjoying the pretty men in tights and beautiful dresses) while you learn new ways to seduce your ladies and even a few extra moves in the bedroom.!
The Libertine
Teacher – John Wilmot the 2nd Earl of Rochester
Johnny Depp plays the 17th century’s most notorious playboy. This opening clip pretty much speaks for itself!
This film goes on to show just how to succeed in achieving this status - with both men and women – however, beware: as it is a true story, it does become a bit of a cautionary tale.
Dangerous Liaisons
Teacher - Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont
This film was so good at exposing sexually driven bad behavior that they made a modernized version of it. You may remember the 1990’s teen focused Cruel Intentions and while the storyline maybe the same, this original costume version is where the real lessons are learned. John Malkovich gives a master class on the art of seduction and Glenn Close provides a perfect example of how two can play at this game.
Take a quick look!
The Original Rock Stars – Different Music - Same Behaviour
Amadeus and Immortal Beloved
Teachers – W.A. Mozart and L.V. Beethoven
O.k. – so we know their music might not be your cup of tea, but these two award winning movies show that Mick Jagger and Bret Michaels got their moves from these guys, well worth the watch!
