November 29, 1998
QUILLS
Screenplay by Doug Wright, based on his play
Synopsis by Brian Aldrich
At Charenton Asylum 1807, DONATIEN ALPHONSE FRANCOIS MARQUIS DE SADE, a prisoner for most of his life, smuggles out the manuscript of his new book with the help of MADELEINE LECLERC, 17, the laundress’ daughter. After the book is published, NAPOLEON BONAPARTE objects to the blatant sexuality of the novel. He orders the BOOKSELLER arrested, the books burned, and appoints DR. ROYER-COLLARD as the new Director of Charenton. Collard has six months to straighten out Charenton or it will be shut down. Sade’s long-suffering wife, RENEE PELAGIE CORDIER DE MONTREUIL, is embarrassed socially.
Collard arrives at Charenton with his new child bride SIMONE. With his new wealth and position, Collard assigns architect PROUIX to build his new expensive mansion to please and keep his bride. The ABBE de COULMIER details Sade’s biography for Collard as they tour the asylum. By order of Collard, Coulmier removes Sade’s writing materials from his prison apartment. Sade protests, explaining that writing is the only way he has of exorcising his demons. Pelagie begs Collard to “cure” Sade of his compulsion to write. Needing money for his mansion, Collard extorts money from Pelagie. Collard is furious when he finds Simone reading Sade’s novel. Inventive Sade uses a chicken bone for a quill, wine for ink, and his bed sheets for paper to continue his writing. Each day, Madeline smuggles out the linens and transcribes the words onto parchment. After the ruse is exposed, all linens and furniture are removed from Sade’s room. For punishment, Madeleine is publicly whipped by VALCOUR, the Prefect, and forbidden to see Sade. Simone purchases a forbidden copy of Sade’s novel and hides it inside the binding of another book. Using straw, his underwear, and his blood, Sade continues to write and smuggle out his work through Madeleine. Aware of Collard’s mansion construction, Pelagie threatens to expose Collard if he doesn’t silence Sade. Fearful of her and her blind mother’s destitution, Madeleine betrays Sade to Collard. Sade covers his clothing with words. Coulmier takes Sade’s clothing, leaving him naked. Meanwhile, Simone flirts with Prouix. Secretly in love with Madeleine, Coulmier arranges for a job in town for her. Sade plans to dictate his writings via the other LUNATICS to Madeleine who will transcribe them. When the mansion is finished, Simone and Prouix run off together. With Sade’s words echoing throughout the prison, the lunatics escape their cells and bedlam reigns. Insane inmate BOUCHON murders Madeleine.
After the prisoners are returned to their cells, Sade is placed in a dungeon pit in chains. Collard plans to reassign Coulmier, resign himself, and close Charenton. Coulmier begs for another chance. He agrees. Coulmier confronts Sade about Madeleine’s murder. They argue ethics and censorship. Showing his humanity, Sade breaks down in tears over her death and offers to pay for her funeral. Coumier punishes Sade by having the SURGEON cut his tongue out. Collard is soon considered a barbarian for his treatment of Sade. Sade becomes a martyr. Pelagie becomes popular socially. Grief stricken Coulmier has sex with Madeleine’s corpse. Dying of his wound, Sade writes on the walls of his cell, using his excrement for ink. Coulmier offers him last rights, but Sade swallows the crucifix rather than kiss it and dies. Collard scapegoats Coulmier for Sade’s death. Coulmier becomes a chained prisoner of Charenton’s dungeon. Ironically, Collard publishes Sade’s books anonymously, using the prisoners as labor and the profits to pay for the asylum’s expenses.
Summary Criticism: This excellently-crafted screenplay is much more focused than the play. Although historically inaccurate, the fictional ending serves the themes of inspiration and censorship.
Quills (2000)- imdb
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