The interior set of the Charenton (asylum) in Quills was built at Pinewood Studios, where most of the filming took place. Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, and London stood in for the exterior shots of early 19th century France. Oscar-winning production designer Martin Childs (Shakespeare in Love) imagined the primary location of Charenton as an airy, though circuitous place, darkening as Royer-Collard takes over operations. The screenplay specifies the way the inmates' rooms link together, which plays a key role in the relay of the Marquis' climactic story to Madeleine. Screenwriter/playwright Doug Wright was a constant presence on set, assisting the actors and producers in interpreting the script and bringing his vision to life. Casting directors Donna Isaacson and Priscilla John recruited a number of actors from a disabled actor's company to play the parts of many of the inmates at Charenton.

Movie's ratings
Production
Soundtrack

Quills (Music from the Original Soundtrack)
Different stars
- 1 Nick IngmanThe Marquis and the Scaffold 3:07
- 2 Nick IngmanThe Abbe and Madelaine 2:19
- 3 Nick IngmanThe Convent 2:22
- 4 Nick IngmanPlans for a Burial 1:18
- 5 Nick IngmanDream of Madelaine 4:42
- 6 Nick IngmanRoyer-Collard and Bouchon 4:15
- 7 Nick IngmanAphrodisiac 2:59
- 8 Nick IngmanThe Last Story 7:35
- 9 Nick IngmanThe Marquis' Cell At Charenton 4:38
- 10 Nick IngmanThe End: A New Manuscript 7:32
- 11 Nick IngmanThe Printing Press 2:24
Quills
(2000)2
" There are no bad words… only bad deeds."
Country | |
Spoken Language | english, latin |
Runtime | 2 hr 4 min |
Budget | $13 500 000 |
Premiere: World | $17 989 227 December 15, 2000 |
USA | $7 065 332 |
Other countries | $10 923 895 |
Box Office – Budget | $4 489 227 |
Premiere: USA | $7 065 332 November 22, 2000 |
theaters | 223 |
rollout | 403 days |
Digital: World | August 18, 2008 |
Parental Advisory | Frightening & Intense Scenes, Profanity, Violence & Gore, ... |
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Production Companies | |
Also Known As | Quills - Macht der Besessenheit Germany |
Description
In a Napoleonic era insane asylum, an inmate, the irrepressible Marquis De Sade, fights a battle of wills against a tyrannically prudish doctor.Сast and Crew
Videos Stills Posters Filming Promo Screenshots Covers
The Book
The film "Quills" is not directly based on a single book but is inspired by the life and works of the infamous French writer, the Marquis de Sade. The Marquis de Sade was known for his libertine sexuality and controversial writings, which often explored themes of extreme freedom, morality, and the nature of power.Author: Marquis de Sade
The Marquis de Sade, born Donatien Alphonse François, was a French nobleman, revolutionary politician, philosopher, and writer, famous for his erotic works that combined philosophical discourse with pornography, depicting sexual fantasies with an emphasis on violence, suffering, and criminality. His most notable works include Justine, Juliette, and The 120 Days of Sodom.Adaptation and Correspondence to the Book
The film "Quills" is loosely inspired by the life and writings of the Marquis de Sade, rather than a direct adaptation of any specific book. The screenplay, written by Doug Wright, was originally a play of the same name. The film explores the final years of de Sade's life, focusing on his imprisonment in the Charenton asylum and his interactions with the people around him.While the film captures the essence of de Sade's provocative and controversial nature, it takes creative liberties in its portrayal of historical events and characters. The narrative is more of a fictionalized account that uses de Sade's life as a backdrop to explore themes of censorship, freedom of expression, and the power dynamics between the characters.
Conclusion
In summary, "Quills" is not a direct adaptation of any single work by the Marquis de Sade but rather a creative interpretation of his life and the impact of his writings. The film uses the historical figure of de Sade to delve into broader themes, making it a unique blend of historical fiction and drama.Historical Background
The film "Quills" is inspired by the life of the infamous French writer and philosopher, the Marquis de Sade. Born Donatien Alphonse François in 1740, the Marquis de Sade was a controversial figure known for his libertine sexuality and writings that explored the darker sides of human nature. His works were considered scandalous and blasphemous, leading to his imprisonment and eventual confinement in an asylum.The Marquis de Sade's Life
- Early Life: Born into an aristocratic family, de Sade was educated in a Jesuit school and later joined the military. His early life was marked by privilege, but also by a growing reputation for debauchery.
- Imprisonment: De Sade's writings and lifestyle led to multiple imprisonments. He spent a significant portion of his life in various prisons and asylums, including the Bastille and the Charenton Asylum.
- Writings: His most famous works include "Justine," "Juliette," and "The 120 Days of Sodom." These writings were characterized by their explicit content and philosophical musings on freedom and morality.
Film vs. Reality
The film "Quills," directed by Philip Kaufman and written by Doug Wright, takes creative liberties with the historical events surrounding the Marquis de Sade's life. While the film captures the essence of de Sade's rebellious spirit and the oppressive environment of the Charenton Asylum, it fictionalizes certain aspects for dramatic effect.Key Differences
- Character Interactions: The film introduces fictional characters and relationships that did not exist in reality, such as the laundress Madeleine, to explore themes of censorship and artistic freedom.
- Events: Some events in the film are dramatized or invented to enhance the narrative, such as the smuggling of de Sade's writings out of the asylum.
- Philosophical Themes: While the film accurately portrays de Sade's philosophical ideas, it simplifies complex historical contexts to make them accessible to a modern audience.
Overall, "Quills" serves as a dramatized interpretation of the Marquis de Sade's life, focusing on the tension between creative expression and societal constraints. It captures the spirit of de Sade's defiance but should not be taken as a strictly factual account of historical events.
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