Phrase "acquired taste" was invented for the likes of Peter Greenaway. British artist and film maker is known for his great directorial skills and superb sense of style, but also for using images, characters and plots that many viewers might be find revolting or unbearable. Some glimpses of that can be seen in his breakout film, 1982 period drama The Draughtsman's Contract, which is arguably part of his filmography the most accessible to the general audience.
The plot is set in Summer 1694 and the protagonist, played by Anthony Higgins, is Mr. Neville, an artist who came to Antsey, country estate owned by wealthy Mr. Herbert (played by Dave Hill). When he goes to Southampton on business, his wife Mrs. Herbert (played by Janet Suzman) asks Mr. Neville to make twelve drawings of her husband's estate. Neville agrees, but under condition that Mrs. Herbert provides sexual favours during his stay at the estate. Under the excuse of finding perfect conditions to capture perfect images Neville tyrannically manipulates servants at the estate and mocks members of Herbert's family, like the German son-in-law Mr. Tallman (played by Hugh Fraser). It all starts to change when Mrs. Tallman (played by Anne-Louise Lambert) approaches Neville suggesting that some of the details in the drawings were deliberately left in order to give hints about possible foul play involving absent Mr. Herbert. She then asks him to make another drawings and additionally provide her with his sexual services.
Although made with modest budget, The Draughsman's Contract efficiently recreated the past. The also film reflected author's background and 17th Century drawings provided great inspiration for the film. Greenaway tried to recreate their spirit by having mostly static shots, using natural light by day and candles during night scenes. Viewers were further immersed in the distant past due to soundtrack by Michael Nyman inspired by the works of 17th Century composer Henry Purcell; success of The Draughtsman's Contract allowed Nyman to later become one of the most interesting film composers in next few decades. Greenaway's film also benefited from the excellent script which is captivating while remaining enigmatic, with the clever and imaginative use of dialogue and good genre mixing of period drama, murder mystery and black comedy. The cast is also very good, although all the characters in the piece are dislikeable, including the protagonist who begins as someone audience is supposed to identify when confronted with arrogant aristocrats and later turns out to be as arrogant and abusive as them. Generally good impression of the film is marred by the use of too cryptic details, as well as presence of mysterious naked character which plays statue who engages in certain activities that would cater mostly to viewers with certain fetishes. The Draughtsman's Contract is nevertheless a well-made film that could be enjoyed by most fans of period dramas or, at least, used as litmus test on whether someone can stomach little bit edgier pieces of art cinema.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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