Based on a play, it reminded me of another, older piece of French literature, "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" which itself has received multiple stage and filmic adaptations.

It occurs to me that this Blier mess made with aplomb and zestful acting is what Gregg Araki has been trying to film since the beginning of his career. The trouble's been that Araki wants to imbue sincerity into Gallic insouciance.