It’s never a bad time to return to Glenn Close’s vicious, magisterial turn in Stephen Frears’ 1988 period drama, better known for inspiring “Cruel Intentions.” But go back to the original, which is somehow fresher and younger. Consider it homework for a comeback that’s just about to unspool: John Malkovich, sure to dominate awards discussion this fall for “Wild Horse Nine,” should have won everything for his performance as Valmont, a character who is, by turns, vengeful, toying and, at the last possible second, openhearted. “It’s beyond my control,” he repeats, and you believe him.“Dangerous Liaisons” is playing Aug. 21 at Vidiots. Tickets here.
