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.
Quills
“Meet the Marquis de Sade. The pleasure is all his.”
Overview
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.
Director
Philip Kaufman
Budget
13.5M
Revenue
18.0M
Status
Released
Production
Fox Searchlight Pictures, Industry Entertainment Partners, Walrus & Associates, Hollywood Partners
Cast
Geoffrey Rush
Marquis de Sade
Kate Winslet
Madeleine LeClerc
Joaquin Phoenix
Abbe du Coulmier
Michael Caine
Dr. Royer-Collard
Billie Whitelaw
Madame LeClerc
Patrick Malahide
Delbené
Amelia Warner
Simone
Jane Menelaus
Renee Pelagie
Stephen Moyer
Prouix
Tony Pritchard
Valcour
Michael Jenn
Cleante
Danny Babington
Pitou
George Antoni
Dauphin
Stephen Marcus
Bouchon
Elizabeth Berrington
Charlotte
Edward Tudor-Pole
Franval
Harry Jones
Orvolle
Bridget McConnell
Madame Bougival
Pauline McLynn
Mademoiselle Clairwil
Rebecca Palmer
Michette
Toby Sawyer
Louison
Daniel Ainsleigh
Guerin
Alex Avery
Abbe du Maupas
Terry O'Neill
Gaillon
Diana Morrison
Mademoiselle Renard
Carol MacReady
Sister Noirceuil
Tom Ward
The Horseman
Richard Mulholland
Fop
Ron Cook
Napoleon
Julian Tait
Pawnbroker
Deborah Vale
Sister Rose Fatima
Tessa Vale
Sister Flavie
Howard Lew Lewis
First Vendor
Andrew Dunford
Second Vendor
Lisa Hammond
Prostitute
Mathew Fraser
Lunatic Band Member
Jamie Beddard
Lunatic at Play
Video Gallery
