New French series ‘Merteuil’ brings ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ to life
A fresh take on a classic
Production has officially begun on Merteuil, a new French original series for Max, adapted from Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 18th-century classic novel, Dangerous Liaisons. This modern adaptation promises to breathe new life into the timeless tale of power, manipulation, and moral dilemmas.
Behind the scenes
Directed by Jessica Palud and created by Jean-Baptiste Delfaon, the series boasts a stellar cast including Anamaria Vartolomei as Isabelle de Merteuil, Diane Kruger as Madame de Rosemonde, Vincent Lacoste as Vicomte de Valmont, and Lucas Bravo as Comte de Gercourt. The production is a collaboration between Clément Birnbaum and Joachim Nahum of NABI Productions (UGC Group) and Marie Guillaumond of Felicita Films (Newen Studios Group).
Filming in picturesque Normandy
The cameras are rolling in the scenic region of Normandy, France, with filming scheduled to continue until December. This picturesque backdrop will undoubtedly add a layer of authenticity and visual splendor to the series.
A word from the creators
Véra Peltekian, Vice President in charge of original French productions for Max, expressed her excitement about the project: “We are delighted to bring to life Merteuil, a series that explores power games, manipulation, and moral dilemmas through complex and fascinating characters. This ambitious project allows us to revisit the spirit of Dangerous Liaisons through a modern prism, while retaining the intensity and sophistication that made it a timeless masterpiece.”
The plot thickens
The series synopsis teases an intriguing narrative: “To be the hero of your own story, you sometimes have to be the villain in others’. Marquise de Merteuil, betrayed by Valmont, embarks on a daring journey to become Paris’ leading courtesan. Freely adapted from the novel Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, it’s a thrilling exploration of the price of emotional and sexual freedom — in a world where women had little.”
A modern exploration of timeless themes
Producers from NABI Productions and Felicita Films added, “At the heart of the masterpiece that is Dangerous Liaisons lies another masterpiece: its heroine, the Marquise de Merteuil. It took nothing less than the combined talents of Jessica Palud and Jean-Baptiste Delafon to imagine the genesis and destiny of this revolutionary character. Through the 18th century of libertines and the dying nobility, Jean-Baptiste and Jessica offer a modern exploration of the themes of pleasure, freedom, and the emancipation of women.”
For the cinema and TV series enthusiasts
For those who revel in the intricate dance of power and seduction, Merteuil promises to be a must-watch. The series not only revisits a classic tale but also reinterprets it for a contemporary audience, making it relevant and engaging. The characters, with their complex motivations and moral ambiguities, are sure to captivate viewers and spark discussions.
Dive deeper into the world of ‘Merteuil’
For a sneak peek into this captivating series, check out the trailer for Merteuil. This link will take you directly to the trailer and information page, providing a glimpse into the world of 18th-century Paris and its intricate web of power and seduction.
Personal reflections
As a fan of both cinema and TV series, I find the adaptation of classic literature into modern visual storytelling particularly fascinating. The challenge lies in staying true to the essence of the original work while making it accessible and engaging for today’s audience. Merteuil seems poised to strike this delicate balance, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.
The casting choices are intriguing, with each actor bringing their unique flair to these iconic characters. Anamaria Vartolomei’s portrayal of Isabelle de Merteuil, in particular, promises to be a highlight, capturing the character’s complexity and depth.
Final thoughts
Merteuil is more than just a retelling of Dangerous Liaisons; it’s a reimagining that explores timeless themes through a modern lens. With its talented cast and crew, stunning locations, and compelling narrative, this series is set to be a standout in the world of television. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the novel or new to the story, Merteuil offers something for everyone.
For more information and to stay updated on the series, visit the Merteuil page.