Upon its release, Cruel Intentions received mixed reviews from critics. It currently holds a approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics often decrying its "crass" and "shocking" nature. However, audiences were far more receptive, giving the film a strong 80% approval rating.
Despite being set in 1999, the characters lived in a world with old-fashioned rotary dial phones, distinct, high-fashion clothing, and a rigid, almost aristocratic social structure, separating it from typical 90s teen movies. cruel intentions 1999 movie verified
The film capitalized on the massive star power of its young cast, pulling them out of their established archetypes. Sarah Michelle Gellar, then famous as the wholesome hero of Buffy the Vampire Slayer , delivered a career-best performance as the venomous, cocaine-snorting Kathryn. Ryan Phillippe perfectly channeled the brooding, reformed rake, while Reese Witherspoon provided the film's moral compass with fierce intelligence rather than passive innocence. The real-life romance between Phillippe and Witherspoon added an electric, undeniable chemistry to their scenes. 2. An Era-Defining Soundtrack Upon its release, Cruel Intentions received mixed reviews
Although the character of Cecile was young, 26-year-old Selma Blair was cast because of her confident, brash approach in the audition, where she actually asked the director how old he was. Despite being set in 1999, the characters lived
Phillippe was cast because of his "Valmont air," a charm that masked a deeper emptiness, beating out other young actors like Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
In the years since its release, "Cruel Intentions" has become a cult classic, widely regarded as one of the best films of the late 1990s. The movie's verified status can be attributed to its:
If Sebastian succeeds, Kathryn will spend a night with him. If he fails, Kathryn gets his prized 1956 Jaguar XK140. The Web of Manipulation