Nightwatching

There are many filmmakers who partake in what I like to call "Shot-porn"; always aspiring to reach some sort of cinematographic high with single overly workshopped shots. Even worse so, the films these directors produce, appear to have been conceptualised first with a couple shots in mind, yet no sense of macro-style, of a theme, of a true aesthetic-narrative link.

Greenaway is definitely not that sort of filmmaker. His style is palpable here, yes, but even more importantly, you immediately get a sense that this is someone who has studied the subject matter both narratively and aesthetically, and who has made a conscious effort to stylistically give life to a great artist's work.

I love that he avoids the classic biopic tropes, and instead, adds a new, semi-fictional chapter, to one of the true great painters, that succeeds in telling the audience more about the subject, than any run-of-the-mill biopic would.

There are many filmmakers who partake in what I like to call "Shot-porn"; always aspiring to reach some sort of cinematographic high with single overly workshopped shots. Even worse so, the films these directors produce, appear to have been conceptualised first with a couple shots in mind, yet no sense of macro-style, of a theme, of a true aesthetic-narrative link.

Greenaway is definitely not that sort of filmmaker. His style is palpable here, yes, but even more importantly, you immediately get a sense that this is someone who has studied the subject matter both narratively and aesthetically, and who has made a conscious effort to stylistically give life to a great artist's work.

I love that he avoids the classic biopic tropes, and instead, adds a new, semi-fictional chapter, to one of the true great painters, that succeeds in telling the audience more about the subject, than any run-of-the-mill biopic would.

What is it with Peter Greenaway endings and painters being blinded and stripped?? Rather fruity if I don’t say so myself. Was a good watch but it most definitely needs a rewatch. Never thought I’d see Bilbo Baggins doing the nasty but here we are.

What is it with Peter Greenaway endings and painters being blinded and stripped?? Rather fruity if I don’t say so myself. Was a good watch but it most definitely needs a rewatch. Never thought I’d see Bilbo Baggins doing the nasty but here we are.

"Women in the 17th Century are allowed to smoke, write, correspond with Descartes, wear spectacles, insult the Pope, and breast-feed babies."

This was tough to get into, but when I did it was worth it! Effortless brilliance from Martin Freeman.

"Women in the 17th Century are allowed to smoke, write, correspond with Descartes, wear spectacles, insult the Pope, and breast-feed babies."

This was tough to get into, but when I did it was worth it! Effortless brilliance from Martin Freeman.

Solid Greenaway movie. Greenaway is obviously a fan of paintings so I feel this shouldve been slightly better, which might be unfair expectations but it is what it is. I like Martin Freeman even though he plays the same character pretty much always, so if you don't like him this might not be the best movie for you. I thought the story was interesting and it's nice to see Greenaway back at some period pieces, which I love when he does. It isn't as overwhelming and extravagant as some of his other works, which also leads to it not feeling as impressive. That said it's still an extremely well made movie and it looks great and it does still have that Greenaway charm even if it feels a bit watered down compared to his earlier works

Solid Greenaway movie. Greenaway is obviously a fan of paintings so I feel this shouldve been slightly better, which might be unfair expectations but it is what it is. I like Martin Freeman even though he plays the same character pretty much always, so if you don't like him this might not be the best movie for you. I thought the story was interesting and it's nice to see Greenaway back at some period pieces, which I love when he does. It isn't as overwhelming and extravagant as some of his other works, which also leads to it not feeling as impressive. That said it's still an extremely well made movie and it looks great and it does still have that Greenaway charm even if it feels a bit watered down compared to his earlier works