Rating: NR
Genre:
Comedy Drama
Release Date: 02/12/2008
Dubbed: English
Sound: DD2
Run Time: 108 Minutes
Flags: Violence, Not For Children, Sexual Situations
Distributor/Studio: Zeitgeist Films
Peter Greenaway's first fiction feature (after the mock-documentary
The Falls) made him immediately famous and was named one of the most original films of the 1980s by British critics. The action is set in the director's beloved 17th century. Ambitious young artist Mr. Neville (
Anthony Higgins) is invited by Mrs. Herbert (
Janet Suzman) to make 12 elaborate sketches of her estate. Besides money, the contract includes sexual favors that Mrs. Herbert will offer to the draughtsman in the absence of Mr. Herbert. Entirely confident in his ability to weave a web of intrigues, Mr. Neville eventually becomes a victim of someone else's elaborate scheme. The film is structured as a sophisticated intellectual puzzle like the ones popular in the 17th century. There is a lot to pay attention to besides the intrigues -- fancy wigs, conversations by candlelight, English parks, Purcell-inspired baroque music by
Michael Nyman, all to please the eyes, soothe the ears, and stimulate the mind.
~ Yuri German, All Movie Guide
