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Anthony Higgins, Janet Suzman, Anne-Louise Lambert, Hugh Fraser, Nicholas Amer ... see more see more... , Suzanne Crowley , Neil Cunningham , Michael Feast , David Gant , David Meyer , Dave Hill , Vivienne Chandler , Joss Buckley , Geoffrey Larder , Tony Meyer , Steve Ubels , Mike Carter , George Miller , David Hill

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 s... read more read more...et 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, Rovi

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84% liked it

4,794 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

18 critics

R, 1 hr. 43 min.

Directed by: Peter Greenaway

Release Date: October 2, 1982

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DVD Release Date: December 14, 1999

Stats: 255 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (255)

  • newvogueravyn
    July 3, 2009
    newvogueravyn
    There are a lot of good things I can say about this film. The costumes and setting are gorgeous, and all of the performances are great - most of all Anthony Higgins, who is not only masterful in his role but wears Restoration costume as if he'd been born to do so. However, despit... read moree enjoying the first two thirds of the film I can't say I was especially enamoured of the ending section, possibly because much of it went over my head. Maybe I'll watch it again sometime and see if I understand it better.
  • fb1144932598
    November 11, 2008
    fb1144932598
    This viewer obviously lacked the historical knowledge or the cinemaphile's love of abstract symbolism to appreciate this. The film was far too obscure for my tastes. A sketch artist agrees to a personal services contract with an aristocrat (sort of a "friends with benefits" arran... read moregement) and finds himself set up to take the fall for a murder. A most unpleasant affair that was not sweetened in any way. No skin and little bedroom action of the most chaste variety. The costumes were lavish, the wigs extravagant, the dialog witty, but the story was nearly incomprehensible to this poor viewer. A whodunit in which no one knows, nor do they seem to care. Or maybe it is that everyone in the story knows, but still no one cares. This viewer is beyond caring. Mr Neville will still take the fall. And what was the purpose of the movable statue? Who knows? Another time waster one should stay away from unless in possession of the requisite knowledge to appreciate the subtleties of the 17th century costume drama with an artsy flair.
  • hawkledge
    February 1, 2009
    hawkledge
    Seductive cinematic puzzle, visually rich with deception, both of fact and motive, permeating the texture. Performances are uniformly excellent, while the historical setting is amongst the most vivid committed to film. Michael Nyman's beautifully crafted score contributes greatly.
  • littlecharmer1959
    July 16, 2008
    littlecharmer1959
    An intelligent and witty film which really requires several viewings to work everything out. The costumes are gloriously over the top, and the Michael Nyman soundtrack fits brilliantly. Overlooked and misunderstood but worth seeing.
  • GabrielKnight
    December 25, 2011
    GabrielKnight
    I'm not sure if this is a satire or a black comedy, but perhaps it doesn't matter. Set in Victorian times, the characters are dressed in outrageously exaggerated costumes and the dialogue is witty and razor-sharp. It's hilarious and worth watching for this alone, and then you rea... read morelize there's a murder mystery. It's quite complex, and to be honest I didn't quite figure out who did it, but perhaps this is not important... it's really about arrogance, manipulation and failure to see what's in plain sight.
  • eskaton666
    August 22, 2008
    eskaton666
    Witty, delightfully acerbic and pretentious for days, this is truly a Peter Greenaway film. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the characters' candor and the production design and location shoots are gorgeous. Recommended to fans of the pompous.

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Critic Reviews

Nathan Lee
July 5, 2007
Nathan Lee, Village Voice

Artificial in the extreme, it may nevertheless be Greenaway's most naturalistic and easygoing film. Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
February 21, 2008
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

It shows the director at his best and most playful, and it's a strange delight. Full Review

Jeremiah Kipp
January 22, 2008
Jeremiah Kipp, Slant Magazine

A puzzle book for intellectual aesthetes. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
August 22, 2007
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

One of the best, most original and diabolical films to come out of England. Full Review

Rich Cline
April 6, 2005
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

ravishingly beautiful

Anton Bitel
February 13, 2004
Anton Bitel, Movie Gazette

Greenaway ploughs the familiar landscape of the murder mystery, but plants in it new, exotic fruits all of his own. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
February 4, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

The Draughtsman's Contract is a thoroughly entertaining murder mystery set in 17th century England. Full Review

Ken Hanke
January 16, 2003
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Far from Greenaway's best work. Very far.

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
February 28, 2002
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies

This isn't your standard costume drama fare. Full Review

October 18, 2008
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

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