Michelle Pfeiffer's Age in Dangerous Liaisons
Michelle Pfeiffer was born on April 29, 1958. Production for Dangerous Liaisons began in June 1988, making her 30 years old at the start of filming. By the time of the film's release in December 1988, she turned 31. This places her early career into context, as she was transitioning from rising star to an established leading actress in Hollywood.
Context Around the Role
Dangerous Liaisons marked one of Pfeiffer's most sophisticated and narratively demanding roles to date. She portrayed Madame de Tourvel, a woman navigating seduction and moral conflict within the aristocratic intrigues of pre-Revolutionary France. The complexity of the character required emotional depth and restraint, showcasing her range beyond previous commercial successes.
Preparation and Performance
To prepare, Pfeitzer committed to extensive period research and worked closely with director Stephen Frears to balance subtlety and intensity. Her performance is noted for its controlled elegance, using minimal dialogue to convey layered intentions and vulnerability. This role helped cement her reputation for choosing diverse, challenging projects outside mainstream formulas.
Notable Cast and Crew Details
She performed alongside John Malkovich and Glenn Close in a film adapted from Christopher Hampton's play, which itself was based on Laclos's novel. The combination of strong literary source material, period craftsmanship, and her restrained performance contributed to the film's critical acclaim and enduring influence.
Career Timeline Around 1988
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| April 29, 1958 | Birth | Establishes baseline for age during filming |
| June 1988 | Filming began | Pfeiffer was 30 |
| December 1988 | U.S. release | Pfeiffer was 31 |
| 1983–1988 | Key early films (Scarface, Beverly Hills Cop, The Fabulous Baker Boys) | Builds context for her rising profile before and after Dangerous Liaisons |
Impact and Legacy
Dangerous Liaisons remains a high point in Pfeiffer’s filmography, often cited for its writing and performances. Her work in the film demonstrated her capacity to lead prestigious period dramas, expanding her range and attracting more discerning roles. The film’s continued relevance underscores her ability to bring humanity to morally complex characters.
Comparisons and Context
In comparison to her other late-1980s work, Dangerous Liaisons stands out for its ensemble intensity and period setting. The table below highlights key attributes of the role relative to her other notable performances around the same era.
| Attribute | Dangerous Liaisons | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Character Type | Aristocratic, restrained | Film |
| Age During Filming | 30 | Production records |
| Era | 18th-century period | Historical context |
| Thematic Focus | Seduction and morality | Screenplay analysis |
Summary
At the time of filming Dangerous Liaisons in 1988, Michelle Pfeiffer was 30 years old, turning 31 at the film's release. Her performance as Madame de Tourvel remains a benchmark in her career, highlighting her ability to convey profound emotion with restraint. This role helped define the tone of late-1980s prestige cinema and continues to inform her legacy as a versatile and discerning actress.