Posted in
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Angela Bassett
Anne-Louise Lambert
Janet Suzman
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Genre
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Drama
Mystery
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Media
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DVD
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Studio | Bifi Video | ||
Language | English | ||
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Reviewer
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Gareth
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Description
Set in Wiltshire in 1694, on the country estate of Mr and Mrs Herbert, this erotic murder mystery is Greenaway's lavish breakthrough creation as director. The Herbert's are having some marital difficulties, so he decides to take a two week holiday by himself. To surprise him on his return, Mrs. Herbert commissions an effete artist to draw twelve portraits of her estate. The artist agrees on the condition that he may sexually exploit Mrs. Herbert's body for those two weeks, she accepts his condition and he sets to work around the beautiful, formal and manicured grounds. When Mr. Herbert is found dead in his own moat at the end of those two weeks, the artist is the prime suspect, and Mrs. Herbert believes the mystery can be solved by close examination of the drawings the artist has done. With extravagant costumes, witty indulgent dialogue, impeccable production and a score by long-time collaborator Michael Nyman, THE DRAUGHTSMAN'S CONTRACT is a veritable feast for the senses.
Review
Watching a Peter Greenway film... is an experience. He confounds and delights me every time I peruse and interrogate one of his marvellous and epic stories. Epic? Not in scale, or in scope, or in undertaking but in their ramifications. None of what is shown or heard can be taken at face value - take the initial simple premise of Mrs Herbert asking an artiste to prepare 12 portraits of her outstanding grounds. When this turns out to be have more serious ramifications the artiste is in far too deep to back out, and as co-conspirators, so are we, the viewer.
The cinematography, as usual, is lush and beautiful and Michael Nyman's music is haunting and minimalist. I always watch a Peter Greenway feeling like I've eaten a wonderful 4 course meal - I feel completely satisfied but always looking forwards to the next instalment!
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