Character from a theater production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses (1986–1987).
Vicomte de Valmont, as portrayed by Alan Rickman in the stage production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses (1986–1987), was a brilliant embodiment of cold-blooded seduction, manipulative intellect, and predatory charm. His Valmont was not merely a libertine and schemer but a refined hunter who toyed with women’s emotions with exquisite cruelty.
Rickman infused the character with a hypnotic allure, making him both irresistibly charming and deeply menacing. His low, velvety voice and impeccable manners transformed even the most cynical lines into musical phrases that sent chills down the spine. He never raised his voice or resorted to excessive gestures—his Valmont could convey contempt, mockery, or feigned tenderness with nothing more than a glance or a subtle shift in intonation.
One of the most striking moments was the scene in which Valmont, confident in his victory, shatters Madame de Tourvel’s heart. Here, Rickman did not merely play a calculating seducer—he revealed the depth of emotional sadism that made his Valmont even more dangerous.
This role cemented Rickman’s reputation as a master of villainous and multi-layered characters, paving his way to Hollywood. His portrayal of Vicomte de Valmont remains one of the most memorable in the history of Les Liaisons Dangereuses stage adaptations.
