Quills (2000)

75% of critics liked it
(119 reviews)
80% of users liked it
(44,054 ratings)

The Marquis de Sade was a man who liked to stir up trouble, at a time when his native France was in a state of tremendous political turmoil, and this historical drama examines how much controversy he could cause even under repressive circumstances. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, the… More The Marquis de Sade was a man who liked to stir up trouble, at a time when his native France was in a state of tremendous political turmoil, and this historical drama examines how much controversy he could cause even under repressive circumstances. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, the Marquis de Sade (Geoffrey Rush) manages to narrowly escape execution during the Reign of Terror, and instead is sentenced to the Charenton Asylum for the Insane. Coulmier (Joaquin Phoenix), the priest who heads the asylum, is sympathetic to the political machinations that have put the Marquis in his care, and allows him not only to write what he pleases, but to stage theater pieces using the other patients as actors. Royer-Collard (Michael Caine), a tyrannical doctor overseeing the mental institutions of Napoleonic France, is as outraged as the emperor when he reads Justine, a scabrous volume the Marquis penned while an inmate at Charenton, and he demands that de Sade be stopped. But Royer-Collard soon learns that stopping the Marquis from writing is not so simple; when de Sade's quills and ink are taken from him, he uses wine and even his own blood to write his stories. When these options are no longer available, he dictates his work with the help of Madeline (Kate Winslet), a laundry girl working at the asylum, who is fascinated by the notorious de Sade, though she declines his frequent requests to satisfy his notorious sexual appetites. Based on the play by Doug Wright (who also penned the screenplay), Quills was directed by Philip Kaufman, who previously documented the line between eroticism and literature in Henry and June and The Unbearable Lightness of Being. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 3 min.
Directed By: Philip Kaufman
Written By: Doug Wright
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Dec 25, 2000 Wide
On DVD: May 8, 2001
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Philip Kaufman's biopic of the notorious Marquis de Sade is sharply uneven, by turns serious, poignant, trashy, sleazy and sensationslist, boasting an over-the-top turn from oscar-nominated Geoffrey Rush
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
a conceptual piece about the nature of creativity and questions of art
Prairie Miller, Long Island Press
An exhilarating, stunningly mounted, vigorously intelligent and oddly poetic tale also about the sadistic social institutions impinging on human history.
Judith Egerton, Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)
While it is horrible and sordid, it's also witty, fast-paced and intriguing as it explores freedom of expression.
Harry Guerin, RTE Interactive (Dublin, Ireland)
You'll swear you can hear a throaty cackle of approval from the hereafter.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Unknown H

My love for this film runs very deep indeed. As a fan of the Marquis de Sade and everything spawned after his name, as well as an advocate for the the uncensored underbelly of the literary greats, this film possessed everything someone such as myself could hope for. Moments of genuine… More
My love for this film runs very deep indeed. As a fan of the Marquis de Sade and everything spawned after his name, as well as an advocate for the the uncensored underbelly of the literary greats, this film possessed everything someone such as myself could hope for. Moments of genuine hilarity blunted by the brutish historical truth, every single character in this film has a role to play and plays it magnificently. Rush is a superbly talented actor who never fails to keep my eyes on the screen and even Phoenix is acceptable as a preist with a naughty streak. A truly magnificent film.
Sophie B

With a brilliant cast I did expect more from this. I'm unsure if she was going for a some sort of style, but Winslet looked like she couldn't act. Maybe that was just her character. Rush did a fantastic job as usual. I would have liked a better explanation to the beginning… More
With a brilliant cast I did expect more from this. I'm unsure if she was going for a some sort of style, but Winslet looked like she couldn't act. Maybe that was just her character. Rush did a fantastic job as usual. I would have liked a better explanation to the beginning part. It seemed out of place compared to the rest of the film.
xGary X

An adaptation of the play based on a chapter of the life of the infamous Marquis De Sade whose lascivious writings scandalized post revolutionary France. Set within the walls of a church-run lunatic asylum where the Marquis was incarcerated to avoid the ignominy of prison, he is shown… More
An adaptation of the play based on a chapter of the life of the infamous Marquis De Sade whose lascivious writings scandalized post revolutionary France. Set within the walls of a church-run lunatic asylum where the Marquis was incarcerated to avoid the ignominy of prison, he is shown as a rebel using his literature to infuriate the religious establishment. Geoffrey Rush clearly relished the role and is ably supported by Joaquin Phoenix as the asylum's governor, a good man trapped within the framework of an intolerant heirarchy and Kate Winslett as the common serving girl who helps the Marquis distribute his works. Michael Caine is a little less convincing, probably because of his casting against type as the cruel, sadistic tyrant who is dispatched to "cure" him. It has shades of both Amadeus and The Madness Of King George, although the characterisation and drama of those films is not quite matched here, but it's an interesting and well made historical drama that's worth seeing for Rush's performance alone.
Jennifer D

I am not one for egregious sex. When semi graphic sex/ nudity or innuendo is used in a film, I wonder if it has real value or if it's more sexy or shock and awe. However, there wasn't a moment in this film that made me think that. And I actually laughed (during the play of… More
I am not one for egregious sex. When semi graphic sex/ nudity or innuendo is used in a film, I wonder if it has real value or if it's more sexy or shock and awe. However, there wasn't a moment in this film that made me think that. And I actually laughed (during the play of course). Visually beautiful, witty and inventive. Not to mention jam packed with hypocrisy. Love it. Completely gorgeous performances by every principle. As expected really.
Lady D

Quills is quite an unusual film, considering the period covered and it's Erotic Literature theme. It's a bit of a strange watch, because it varies between intriguing and boring at times. The characters were really made individual and developed well. I have to say… More
Quills is quite an unusual film, considering the period covered and it's Erotic Literature theme. It's a bit of a strange watch, because it varies between intriguing and boring at times. The characters were really made individual and developed well. I have to say I've not watched anything to date withGeoffrey Rush that I have enjoyed, but happy to say this film is an exception.
Spencer S

One word: Debauchery. Amazing performances, true to all the ideals of the Marquis de Sade.
Film C

This is a really brilliant grafted and acted movie and really interesting to watch with surprising consequences and actions really worth a watch!
Leigh R

Insane, the man was insane...
Michael S

Quite disturbing, and quite great.
Gordon A

Witty script and fine performances from all the cast make for a gripping battle of wills between societal norms and freedom of expression
Emily A

I love this movie. On top of the fact that it's beautiful to look at (the actors, the sets the costumes), but the script is brilliant and full of humour and characters you care about. I love the way the traditional roles are flipped and the Marquis de Sade - a veritable boogeyman… More
I love this movie. On top of the fact that it's beautiful to look at (the actors, the sets the costumes), but the script is brilliant and full of humour and characters you care about. I love the way the traditional roles are flipped and the Marquis de Sade - a veritable boogeyman by most's accounts - is the good guy and Michael Caine as the hospital doctor is the villain. Abbe and Madeleine are kind of caught in the middle. Despite its rather tragic ending, this movie is strangely satisfying and uplifting. If I had a heart, I would hold this film close to it.
Drew S

Erotic, intense and literate, Quills is a well-done cinematic treat. The performances are singularly absorbing from all the players, especially the magnificent Geoffrey Rush. Some parts of the plot are a little heavy-handed; Quills doesn't always handle its subplots with the… More
Erotic, intense and literate, Quills is a well-done cinematic treat. The performances are singularly absorbing from all the players, especially the magnificent Geoffrey Rush. Some parts of the plot are a little heavy-handed; Quills doesn't always handle its subplots with the most subtlety or grace. The hypocrisy of characters like Michael Caine is blatant, yes, and we know we need to hate him for it. Couldn't they have been a little more discreet with all this? If you're sitting through Quills, you're probably not that much of an idiot. This is a pretty minor complaint in light of the rest of the film, with is done superbly. Rich characters and dialogue create an incredibly immersive atmosphere, fraught with danger and ever-present menace. Geoffrey Rush is like a prototype Hannibal Lecter, except without the eating people part (though I'm sure he'd give it a try).
Wildaly M

This film truly stunned me. Great performances by Winslet, Phoenix and more importantly Rush. Definitely made me look into this historical character, the Marquis De Sade. I'd like to watch it again soon.
Al S

A wild, very sexy and a devilishly enchanting movie. Terrifically funny, wonderfully written and tremendously entertaining. Stunning and extroadinary. Geoffrey Rush is a riveting tour-de-force. A magnificent performance. Joaquin Phoenix and Kate Winslet are a revelation. Michael Caine… More
A wild, very sexy and a devilishly enchanting movie. Terrifically funny, wonderfully written and tremendously entertaining. Stunning and extroadinary. Geoffrey Rush is a riveting tour-de-force. A magnificent performance. Joaquin Phoenix and Kate Winslet are a revelation. Michael Caine is brilliant. A great story. One of the best films I ever seen. The acting, writing and directing are all absolutly amazing. A superb period drama with a chilling and unforgettable effect.
Jason S

A dark period peice that serves up a good performance from Rush doing what he does best... being creepy.
Michael G

Pretty good with great performances. It starts off playful enough but eventually makes you remember that it takes place in a madhouse.
Nate Z

[font=Arial][color=darkred]The good: Geofrey Rush. The bad: stay tuned...[/color][/font] [font=Arial][color=darkred]Rush is cast as the Marquis de Sade with luscious care. Rush is a great character actor and relishes the 19th century bad boy with glee. The problem with… More
[font=Arial][color=darkred]The good: Geofrey Rush. The bad: stay tuned...[/color][/font] [font=Arial][color=darkred]Rush is cast as the Marquis de Sade with luscious care. Rush is a great character actor and relishes the 19th century bad boy with glee. The problem with 'Quills' is that the film portrays de Sade as nothing more than the Larry Flint of the 1800s. Rush is trapped in a crampt cell for the entire film, which plunges the film further into mediocrity. Winslet and Phoenix have fine supporting roles as first hand revelers of de Sade's dirty words. The film portrays the bad boy as a free speech martyr and explains that the reason he's locked away in an asylum is because people didn't like what he had to say. The Marquis de Sade was locked away because he liked to mutilate and torture women. Consider the history of 'Quills' in the same grain-of-salt vein of 'The Hurricane'. A little tweek here, a little tweek there. The movie even has to make de Sade a sort of hero by introducing an even meaner "bad guy" with Michael Caine. 'Quills' is long and incomprehensibly thoughtless in its history. What was the National Board of Review thinking?![/color][/font] [font=Arial][color=darkred]Nate's Grade: C- [/color][/font]
Alec B

What makes it so great is that director Philip Kaufman and writer Doug Wright choose to focus on the issues that discussion of Sade creates rather than historical fact. Its really about us now and its remarkably truthful.
Duncan R

One word: Fantastic! I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to check this film out, but needless to say it had a bit of an impact on me. The story is, on one level, a powerful tale of artistic expression combating forces that try to censor it. On another level,… More
One word: Fantastic! I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to check this film out, but needless to say it had a bit of an impact on me. The story is, on one level, a powerful tale of artistic expression combating forces that try to censor it. On another level, the film is about how obsession can lead people on a downward spiral into madness. The historical figure this fictional tale revolves around? The Marquis de Sade, superbly performed by Geoffrey Rush. Never read any of his works myself, but if they're one tenth as lewd, perverse, and lyrically written as they're portrayed in this film, than I can't think of any other figure who'd fit the mold better. Well...maybe Chaucer... Anyways, I digress. Rush isn't the only actor who chews the scenery to the delight of mine eyes and ears. This is an ensemble piece if there ever was one, and what an ensemble it is! Joaquin Phoenix plays his clergyman as kind and pious as they come, and Sir Michael Caine couldn't be any nastier as the film's main antagonist. And, lest we forget, Kate Winslet. She was the Marquis's muse and personal assistant down to a tea. The chemistry between her and Rush as they shared devious glances and brilliant one-liners is absolutely dynamite. The script, apparently based on a play (one I most certainly want to check out), is beautifully crafted in terms of dialogue. Seriously, it's, like, a quote-a-minute kind of movie. As for it's narrative structure and tone, it starts off humorously and indulges in carnal pleasures. In other words, it's the kind of humor that appeals to both the intellectual snob <i>and</i> the eternal 12-year-old boy sides of me. As it goes along, it becomes profoundly sadder, but still maintains that kind of perverse giddyness that the Marquis embodies (or, at least, that Rush's portrayal of him embodies). It makes you sit through 'til it's cathartic and equally satisfying ending. Basically, if you haven't seen it already, you owe yourself a chance. It's on hulu.com as I type this review, so there's no excuses! There are laughs to be had, there are tears to be shed. But only if you give it a chance.
Jason R

So I never really thought that Geoffrey Rush would be as good as he was in Shine and then I saw Quills and I am know ready to pin the greatest actor to ever live badge firmly on Geoffrey Rush's chest. Quills is a multi-layered story about several characters that all have some… More
So I never really thought that Geoffrey Rush would be as good as he was in Shine and then I saw Quills and I am know ready to pin the greatest actor to ever live badge firmly on Geoffrey Rush's chest. Quills is a multi-layered story about several characters that all have some connection with the Marquis de Sade (Rush) a talented writer, poet, and playwright who took Europe by storm with his scandalous and erotic works that at that time were expressly forbidden by the church. It is because of his writing and other extra-curricular activities that he is thrown into a lunatic asylum where tries as Napoleon might the Marquis still gets his works published despite being confined in a prison. There are so many great actors in this Kate Winslet is always on some other plain of acting existence she outshines everyone, in every movie she is ever in. Joaquin Phoenix armed with an English accent portrays a troubled but good hearted priest torn between his love of God, and the love he has for a young woman who is a maid in the asylum. One other actors worth mentioning are Michael Caine who delivers something extra, as he plays a very evil and power hungry Doctor. While not necessarily a period piece, Quills is a beautifully filmed, and written drama based on true events, and if anything is to be taken from the film it is that the most powerful weapon known to man are, words. A few simple words can topple an entire nation, changed national policy, or take people to places that they never dreamed possible. So if you enjoy historical movies then you should check out Quills, becasue the Marquis de Sade is a very interesting character, probably one of the most disturbing characters, but interesting nonetheless.