I would like to read some of the Marquis de Sade's books to see if they're really all that shocking. After seeing 'Quills' (I love Jeoffrey Rush!) I am even more intrigued.
Oooh! Bad can be good. I pretty much know what the main themes are, but I'll won't say no to a good shock. Besides, what was bad back then must be nothing compared to what we have now. What do you say?
Yes, I think you're right about the writing in the movie being watered down. They wanted to portray a romantic view of the Marquis when he was anything but romantic in real life. One thing that I respect about him was that through his writing, he exposed the hypocrisy and depravity of the clergy as well as the nobility - the elite. I don't think he ever apologized for being a sick bastard, but he did seem to have a sense of humor to say the least.
Walking Dead comics