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The Draughtsman's Contract Reviews
If yesterday were today ( 1980’s). This is a work of art and an emulation of boy becomes man meets contractor understands Tim Burton . Achieved primarily through circumstance but highly probable, due to its timeless nature. .
1001 movies to see before you die (added later). Unique and pompous. Not really my cuppa, but it was well written and directed. RUS.
A veritable masterpiece of British cinema and voted amongst the BFI top 100. The cutting dialogue full of witty barbs is coupled with mystery and scheming. A daring piece of direction makes this an atypical period piece and constantly alluring to imbibe.
MOVIE REVIEW The Draughtsman's Contract – Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery Year Released: 1982, 2023 Kino Lorber 40th Anniversary Blu-ray Runtime: 1h 48m Director(s): Peter Greenaway Writer(s): Peter Greenaway Cast: Anthony Higgins, Janet Suzman, Anne-Louise Lambert, Hugh Fraser, Neil Cunningham, Dave Hill, David Gant Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com RAVING REVIEW: I last watched Peter Greenaway's THE DRAUGHTSMAN'S CONTRACT almost a decade ago when I was on my way to watching every film from the book "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die." Let me tell you, not only did this film age incredibly well, but this new scan and remastering of the film is stunning! The copy I watched nine years ago looked like it had been on a VHS tape, run over by a car, and then played on a 온라인카지노추천 from the 80s while someone recorded a 온라인카지노추천 with a camcorder from the 90s and then compressed that to burn it onto a DVD. That being said, this was a phenomenal film! Anthony Higgins is Mr. Neville, a charismatic artist with a knack for drama. He is invited to illustrate the grandeur of an estate owned by the Herbert family. Janet Suzman plays the lady of the house, Mrs. Virginia Herbert. The unique contract stipulates the creation of twelve splendid drawings of the mansion and its surroundings. Hold your horses because this art project dives headfirst into the deep end of sensual detours and mind-boggling mysteries. The narrative does not confine itself to the project only; it reaches out to every compelling corner of the 17th-century English manor and its intriguing inhabitants. We see characters like the son-in-law Talman (Hugh Fraser) and the hard-nosed estate manager Noyes (Neil Cunningham) adding tension, depth, and a dash of salt to this cinematic experience. THE DRAUGHTSMAN'S CONTRACT is a visual array, and it wouldn't be so without Curtis Clark's eye-popping cinematography. The man is a wizard, transforming each frame into a picturesque canvas that absorbs your gaze. However, it's a visual treat and an auditory delight. The movie owes a good chunk of its charm to its riveting score, which accompanies and enhances the film's allure every step of the way. Neville, who is so sure of his artistic prowess and insight, is ironically blind to the mysterious undercurrent under his nose. As he immerses himself in the contractual obligations with Mrs. Herbert, he overlooks the subtle clues hidden in his sketches. These clues could solve the sinister puzzle in the tranquil manor. In his focused pursuit of art and pleasure, he overlooks the practical wisdom of the estate owner's daughter, escalating the suspense, adding to the irony, and amplifying the film's overall appeal. Setting foot in the 17th-century world of THE DRAUGHTSMAN'S CONTRACT is like opening a hidden door to a society built on decorum but simmering with secrets, power dynamics, and hidden desires. It expertly crafts a portrait of a social order marked by ostentatious grandeur and its own set of complicated rules. This narrative refuses to shy away from exploring societal layers, making it a fascinating, cerebral experience that keeps viewers on their toes. This film is a visual spectacle. The grandeur of the Herbert mansion, the well-tended gardens, and the picturesque landscapes all come to life under the keen eye of cinematographer Curtis Clark. Every frame adds to the immersive nature of the film. Thai film is a testament to Greenaway's exceptional filmmaking skills and will forever be my favorite of his works. It is a film that showcases his creative vision and demonstrates his ability to weave an intricate narrative, juggle various thematic elements, and continually push the boundaries of conventional cinema. It is a testament to his artistic audacity, encouraging us to embrace the unfamiliar and embark on a unique cinematic journey. Whether you're an everyday movie-goer or someone who appreciates an exceptional cinematic journey, THE DRAUGHTSMAN'S CONTRACT is a film you should consider adding to your watchlist. Embark on this visual and narrative voyage, and remember: leave any preconceived notions at the door. This film is as far from ordinary as possible, making it an enthralling watch. THE DRAUGHTSMAN'S CONTRACT is a captivating mystery wrapped in a visually stunning package, an intellectual engagement, and an aesthetic feast all rolled into one. It reminds us of the transformative power of cinema and the beautiful journeys it can take us on. An incredible score that pulls you into the trip and wraps you up as you traverse the grounds of this beautiful estate. EXTRAS: – Peter Greenaway commentary and video introduction (10 minutes) – Four deleted scenes (10 minutes) – Behind-the-scenes footage and on-set interviews (10 minutes) – Interview with composer Michael Nyman (7 minutes) – Greenaway Short Films: Intervals (1969, 6 minutes), Windows (1974, 4 minutes), Dear Phone (1976, 17 minutes), Water Wrackets (1978, 11 minutes) – Re-release trailer For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info. Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews. I'm always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.
It took me a while to adapt to the cadence and vocabulary of the characters. I'm not really sure if people in 17th century England really talked that way, but it feels authentic, a necessary feature since the film consists almost entirely of set piece dialogue between the characters. I'm stopping just short of recommending the film, however, since I did not find the story particularly interesting.
Life in fragments, through windows, framed. Draughtsman needs an evening of contemplation as all the micro plots cogitate in your mind and you figure out what you saw. A murder mystery, comedy of manners or lack thereof as Britain transitions to a more entrepreneurial educated, class fluid society through the constitutional monarchy and into the 18th century. Sexually raw, primal, manipulative; it's a power play piece where the aristocracy ultimately wins because they can. Blackadder's world with great country house, a classic Michael Nyman soundtrack to Greenaway's dynamic direction. Rollicking.
My favorite Greenaway film so far. I loved the erudite dialogue, the formal, painterly cinematography, and the way the film functions as a puzzle for the viewer to solve.
Built in the image of 19th-century English literature, The Draughtsman's Contract conveys an intensity and sense of contemporary satire that no example of that original genre could effectively convey to a modern audience. (4/5)
Director Peter Greenaway's first big success takes place in 1694 in the time of William and Mary of Orange at a posh estate in Kent. Mr. Neville (Anthony Higgins) is commissioned to make 12 drawings of the estate in 12 days by the lady of the house (Janet Suzman) who wishes to use the drawings as gifts to secure a rapprochement with her husband, the lord of the manor, who has departed to Southampton for a fortnight. In order to ensure that the light remains the same, Neville sits at the same time of the day for an hour or so in 12 different locations around the estate. He claims to only paint "what he sees" and not "what he knows", so he includes everything that happens to be found within the frame (despite warnings to the resident noblemen and women and their servants to vacate each successive location). In way of payment for the drawings, the draughtman's contract requires £8 per drawing and a daily sexual tryst with the lady of the manor. So, he is a rascal and he manages to endear himself to the women in the house (including the lady of the manor's married daughter) but antagonise the men. Aside from the draughtsman himself, all of the characters wear the most outlandish (and tall) wigs as well as pompous finery of the era. Greenaway, a trained artist, supplied the drawings himself and also uses his painter's eye to frame each (mostly static) shot of the film, save for a few slow travelling shots (that presage his later work in The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover, 1989, as I recall it). There are some strange elements to the film (a living nude statue, for example), that may have been properly explained in the original 3 hour cut of the movie. But more intriguingly, the film also poses a mystery of sorts for viewers to figure out - "extra" items that appear in the drawings suggest that the lord of the manor has been murdered (and soon his body does turn up). I may not have been vigilant enough to figure this out or the British accents ultimately befuddled me, but there is a twist of sorts at the end that I won't spoil here. Suffice it to say that the film is a bemusing art object (with pulsating Michael Nyman score) rather than a gripping thriller and I suspect that Greenaway is not everyone's cup of tea (but he is at his most mild here).
Brilliantly written and photographed, this portrayal of 17th century mores rivals Barry Lyndon in its portrayal of the period, from clothes to decor to the nature of social and romantic interactions. In fact, for Draughtsman's slightly soiled subtlety, I'm tempted to give Greenaway the edge.
A cocky young artist is hired by wealthy Mrs. Herbert to draw 12 drawings of her husband's estate in the 12 days he is expected to be away. In exchange, he will receive a small amount of money, room and board for the 12 days, and a sexual favour of his choosing from Mrs. Herbert each day. As the drawings proceed, it gradually becomes clear that details contained in the drawings may point to a crime. Everything about this film is superb. Greenaway creates an intricately elaborate version of 17th Century England with incredible costumes and production design. Michael Nyman creates an amazing score. The film is a convoluted puzzle of sorts, but there's more to it than just a mystery. Some elements remain unexplained, and it seems even better for it.
cinegeek.de Our Daily Free Stream: Peter Greenaway - The Draughtman's Contract. Peter Greenaway schenkt uns ein verlockendes Puzzle, erotisch mit äusserster Eleganz. Ich habe nie einen Film wie The Draughtman's Contract gesehen! Die Geschichte scheint simpel und direkt erzählt. Nach dem Abspann aber, darf man sich auf stundelange Diskussionen mit Freunden freuen, da jeder meint, etwas anderes gesehen zu haben. Was haben wir genau gesehen? England 1694; eine reiche Lady heuert einen Künstler (Anthony Higgins) an, ihr Haus zu malen. Für den Künstler ein Hauptgewinn angesichts der grosszügigen Bezahlung. Dafür garantiert er der Lady Intimität. Nachdem der Gentleman des Hauses aufgebrochen ist auf Geschäftsreise, beginnt das Spiel zwischen Leinwand und dem Ankleidezimmer der Dame. Die Handlung ist präzise aufgebaut, jede der Figuren spricht in perfekten literarischen Sätzen. Die Kamera-Arbeit, formal, maniriert. Die Musik von Michael Nyman scheint nicht das Geschehen zu untermalen, sondern umgekehrt; die Bewegungen sind auf den Soundtrack abgestimmt. Der Film gebärdet sich wie ein wohl durchdachter Roman, doch ganz langsam nehmen wir wahr, dass sich merkwürdige Dinge unter der Oberfläche abspielen. Der Zeichner garantiert Perfektion und zielt auf eine naturalistische Darstellung. Doch auf einmal: Ein Fenster steht offen, eine Leiter an der Wand und plötzlich liegen Dinge auf dem Rasen, die da nicht hingehören. Die Tochter der Lady mahnt den Künstler, eine Verschwörung würde sich entwickeln und ihr Vater sei vermutlich ermordet worden. Es scheint, als würde man den Zeichner ob der Tat verleumden. Für seine "Freundschaft" verspricht die Tochter dem Künstler dieselbe Bezahlung wie ihre Mutter. Er ist nun der Liebhaber beider und vermutlich das Objekt einer Verschwörung. Doch es gibt noch viel mehr zu sehen! Eine mysteriöse Statue im Garten, eine Person, die alles zu belauschen scheint, ein unerzogenes Schaf... Peter Greenaway gibt uns nur die Anhaltspunkte, erlaubt uns eigene Lösungen zu finden. Er serviert ein kluges Kreuzwort-Rätsel für die Sinne. mehr auf cinegeek.de
The Draughtsman's Contract has everybody clever in an odd way. I cannot make out what it is about. This is neither irritating enough to make me dislike the film nor intriguing enough to stimulate a rewatch. Would recommend only to those who enjoy the exercise of interpretation; it is not really comical or sexy enough for a casual view.
Satírica, de humor ácido y algo teatral al inicio, la trama se transforma de manera impredecible en un inteligente relato de misterio whodunit, con reflexiones sobre el arte y una memorable banda sonora de Michael Nyman.
This is Peter Greenaway's most sedate and accessible film. It is clever, stylish and unique. I can't help but think that there are so many other elements left unexplored.
Es muy interesante como manejan el uso de los tres tercios y de la zona áurea, realmente te ponen el recuadro en la imagen. La fotografía es espectacular, como el arte y el vestuario, me recuerda mucho a Barry Lyndon de Kubrick.