The Draughtsman’s Contract ***** (1982, Janet Suzman, Anthony Higgins) – Classic Movie Review 4577

Wayward genius writer-director Peter Greenaway’s 1982 British historical mystery is incredibly beautiful looking and most handsomely played, though it can be infuriating, at any rate as a The Name of the Rose-style arty period thriller.

Janet Suzman and Anthony Higgins firmly grab hold of their big chances as rich English 17th-century countrywoman Mrs Herbert and the young artist draughtsman Mr Neville she gives a strange commission to, involving 12 drawings of her country estate, which mixes bodies of the sexual and mortuary types. While Suzman’s husband (Dave Hill) is away, the pair intend to play.

With Curtis Clark’s wonderful cinematography, Bob Ringwood’s lovely art direction, Sue Blane’s glorious costume designs, and Michael Nyman’s thrilling score, this is a unique and brilliant film. If only Greenaway had taken the thriller element seriously and wanted to explain his puzzle it could be even more satisfying, but then it is an art film not a thriller. At any rate, Greenaway triumphs in his deserved breakthrough movie.

The candle movie, it was made for only £360,000 – astonishingly good value. It is a great credit to its producers, the BFI and Channel 4.

Also in the cast are Anne Louise Lambert, Hugh Fraser, Neil Cunningham, David Gant, David Meyer, Tony Meyer, Nicolas Amer, Suzan Crowley, Lynda Marchal[La Plante], Michael Feast, Alastair Cumming, Steve Ubels, Ben Kirby, Sylvia Rotter, Kate Doherty, Joan Buckley, Mike Carter, Vivienne Chandler and Geoffrey Larder.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4577

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