Greenaway’s Exceptional Filmmaking Shines Through

Read Time:4 Minute, 35 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Draughtsman's Contract
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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 TV from the 80s while someone recorded a TV 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

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]