HBO's 'Seduction' Redefines 18th-Century Power Dynamics with a Female Gaze
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In the world of 18th-century Parisian high society, women were expected to wield limited power. But a new HBO Max series, 'The Seduction,' is reimagining the classic tale of 'Dangerous Liaisons' through a female lens. The six-episode miniseries, inspired by Choderlos de Laclos' 1782 novel, delves into the backstory of Isabelle de Merteuil, a socialite who was once ruined by her own schemes. Director Jessica Palud describes it as 'the #MeToo of the 18th century.' To create this new narrative, Palud and her cast, including Diane Kruger, Vincent Lacoste, and Lucas Bravo, have elevated minor characters and given them more agency. Kruger's character, Rosemonde, forms an alliance with young Isabelle, played by Vartolomei, as they navigate a repressive society and strive to become masters of their own destiny. The series portrays 18th-century women as having limited options, but also as having agency and emotions. Kruger says, 'Women used different weapons – their virtue, seductiveness, and money – but they also had feelings and emotions and rage.' Lacoste, who plays Valmont, brings a new perspective to the character, describing him as someone who battles between being a great lover and being in love with a woman who hates him. Bravo, who plays the villainous Gercourt, says that having a female director gave him the freedom to create a fresh character. The show's focus on female agency and solidarity is seen in the growing alliance between Rosemonde and Isabelle. Palud interprets this as an 18th-century #MeToo moment, where women are saying, 'With me, it won't happen like that. I'm going to reverse the codes.' The series is a timely exploration of the complexities of female power and solidarity in a society dominated by men. As Palud says, 'We have young women who dare to speak more, who dare give their voice, who dare say things, with an older generation who sometimes says: 'We can't say that.' That's what the show is about.'
