This self-interest can take the form of greed or pride. In Milos Forman’s 1988 adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons, the Marquise de Merteuil, played gorgeously by Glenn Close, is fully aware of the rules of power and high society—and how they play out differently for men and women. From the very first moment we meet her, she is admiring herself and displaying great self-control and self-satisfaction, saying all the right things and fooling everyone around her. She revels in her power over men and the stupidity of others.
