Quills ★★½ 2000 (R) Follows the last years of the life of the Marquis de Sade (played by Rush), which he spent in an insane asylum as punishment for his erotic writings. Sade continues to write while imprisoned, and with the help of his secret courier, Madeleine (played by Winslet), is able to distribute his stories to the public. Unfortunately, the movie uses Sade's imprisonment to put forth lessons about the importance of freedom of expression and perils of censorship, thereby sacrificing a closer investigation of the real story—the man's boiling imagination. Worth viewing for the performances and for the glimpse into the life of one of histories most fascinating authors. Based on the off-Broadway play by David Wright. 123m/C VHS, DVD, Wide. Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, Joaquin Rafael (Leaf) Phoenix, Michael Caine;
Director:
Philip Kaufman;
Writer:
Doug Wright;
Writer:
Rogier Stoffers;
Cameo:
Stephen Warbeck. Natl. Bd. of Review '00: Film, Support. Actor (Phoenix).
