The Draughtsman's Contract

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Synopsis

Peter Greenaway became a director of international status with this witty, stylised, erotic country house murder mystery, which has not been available on video in the UK for several years. In an apparently idyllic 17th century Wiltshire, an ambitious draughtsman is commissioned by the wife of an aristocrat to produce twelve drawings of her husband's estate and negotiates terms to include sexual favours from his employer. But when a corpse is dragged from the moat, the draughtsman's drawings may reveal more than he realised. Extravagant costumes, a twisting plot, elegantly barbed dialogue and a mesmerising score by Michael Nyman make the film a treat for ear, eye and mind.

Movie info:

Release:

1982

Running Time:

103 min

Certificate:

Suitable only for 15 years and over

Availability:

Watch online: Unavailable
Download: Unavailable

Genre:

Drama

Cast:

Director:

Peter Greenaway

Reviews & comments (4)

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Showing 1 - 4 of 4

Edward Hutchings
The Draughtsman's Contract
08 December 2011
Although set in an English country house in 1694, this is essentially science fiction of the most dazzling kind, being a far more vivid exploration of an alien world than 99 per cent of big budget Hollywood films. The story about a painter who undertakes to draw an estate is as intriguing as the culture it displays. Greenaway's 17th century is a place of ribald honesty as well as unfathomable mystery, and it revels in the spoken word. Of course this is non-genre, low-budget cinema, and some people will be irritated by its singlemindedness; but for others it's proof that wit can sometimes carry a film to places special effects just don't reach.
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james Winterton
James
22 December 2010
Quite a good film I enjoyed this film
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Robert Young
Stylistic, elegant and witty
30 November 2009
For such a low budget film this is highly original and experimental. Although set in 17th Century England its appears to transcend time, do not be fooled this is certainly not a typical period drama.. The plot follows a murder mystery centered around a set of drawings made by an artist hired by a wealthy estate owner. Greening has produced a stylistic and elegant film with wonderfully ornate costume and a witty use language that will supprise and delight.
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- seyi cole
  RE: Stylistic, elegant and witty
  29 December 2009
  the plot was magnificent with such stylistic twist and turns as to keep one griped, one wonders if the ladies were in on the draughtsmans murder and who would eventually be heir to the estate
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