The Marquis de Sade just seems to bring out the worst in everyone around him.

Marquis de Sade is overseen in an insane asylum by a young priest who becomes increasingly enamored with de Sade's chamber maid. Even in containment, he continues to publish his explicit novels and Napoleon wants him stopped. A stern doctor is dispatched to cure de Sade by any means necessary.

One of the better pictures of the year. Although the direction and photography isn't all that fantastic, there's some nice dialogue laced around a plot that is truly interesting and quite a bit naughty. All the principal characters cash in really fine performances. I'm sure they'll earn at least a couple Oscar nods.

Directed by Philip Kaufman.