Quills
Seen it?2000 | 124 min | Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Amadeus or Driving Miss Daisy, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 4 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect sex.
In early 19th-century France, the Marquis de Sade is confined to an asylum where his forbidden writings continue to circulate beyond its walls. As the authorities tighten control, a clash unfolds between the Marquis’ unyielding imagination, the reformist ideals of the Abbé in charge, and the repressive measures of a doctor sent to silence him. Desire, power, and censorship collide in a battle over freedom of expression.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 SAG Award: Screen Actors Guild Awards: Best Film. Won 1 WGA Award: Writers Guild of America Award: Best Film. Also nominated for 3 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes and 2 more SAG Awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$18 million worldwide on a $14 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 112K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Amadeus
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed musical drama.
Driving Miss Daisy Saturday SpecialAnother musical drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Tenant Saturday SpecialAnother drama that's easy to miss.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Layer Cake Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Philip Kaufman
- Geoffrey RushMarquis de Sade
- Kate WinsletMadeleine LeClerc
- Joaquin PhoenixAbbe du Coulmier
- Michael CaineDr. Royer-Collard
- Billie WhitelawMadame LeClerc
- Patrick MalahideDelbené
- Amelia WarnerSimone
- Jane MenelausRenee Pelagie
- Stephen MoyerProuix
- Tony PritchardValcour