The Draughtsman’s Contract Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sassy artist gets paid in sex to draw a house, accidentally captures evidence of murder, and then gets his eyes poked out for being too observant; basically, art school gone wrong.

🍿 The Draughtsman’s Contract: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Contract is Agreed

In 1694 England, Mr. Neville, a self-assured artist, is commissioned by Mrs. Herbert to create twelve drawings of her husband’s estate. The contract’s terms extend beyond monetary compensation, including the promise of intimate relations between Neville and Mrs. Herbert. The agreement is formalized, outlining precise conditions for Neville’s artistic process and Mrs. Herbert’s obligations.

Intrigue and Hidden Agendas

As Neville executes his drawings, peculiar objects begin appearing in the landscapes – a ladder against a wall, discarded clothing. These incongruities raise suspicion amongst the household members, particularly Mrs. Talmann, Mrs. Herbert’s daughter. A complex web of relationships and hidden motives begins to unravel.

Murder and Accusations

Mr. Herbert’s body is discovered in the moat, and the drawings become potential evidence in a murder investigation. Mrs. Talmann implies that Neville’s drawings contain clues to the crime. The circumstances surrounding Mr. Herbert’s death become increasingly mysterious as the household’s secrets are exposed.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mr. Neville (Anthony Higgins): A cocksure and ambitious young artist who becomes entangled in a web of intrigue after agreeing to a peculiar contract.
• Mrs. Herbert (Janet Suzman): The wife of a wealthy landowner who commissions Mr. Neville’s drawings, initiating a series of complex events.
• Mrs. Talmann (Anne-Louise Lambert): Mrs. Herbert’s daughter who becomes involved with Mr. Neville and the secrets surrounding her family.
• Mr. Talmann (Hugh Fraser): The priggish son-in-law of the Herberts, who is suspicious of Mr. Neville and the circumstances surrounding the estate.
• Mr. Noyes (Neil Cunningham): The Herbert’s agent, who finds himself implicated in the goings on at the estate.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. Neville: “You must forgive my curiosity, madam, and open your knees.” – Spoken during his initial negotiations with Mrs. Herbert, illustrating his crass and opportunistic nature.
• Mr. Neville: “I try very hard never to distort or to dissemble.” – Mr. Neville explains his artistic philosophy, highlighting his commitment to depicting exactly what he observes.
• Mrs. Herbert: “A house, a garden, a horse, a wife, the preferential order.” – Mrs. Talmann chides her father for cataloging her mother as the least of his assets.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £320,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,256,246
• Worldwide Gross: $2,283,233

💥 The Draughtsman’s Contract Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Draughtsman’s Contract’ to be a beautifully bizarre experience. The costumes and set design were opulent and captivating. I loved the witty dialogue, even if I didn’t always grasp its meaning. The ending definitely left me with a sense of unease, but it’s the kind of movie that stays with you. It’s certainly not for everyone, but if you’re looking for something unique and thought-provoking, this is it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of art-house cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in period dramas with a twist”
  • “Those who appreciate complex plots and ambiguous endings”
  • “Admirers of Peter Greenaway’s films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Violence”
  • “Implied sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Peter Greenaway delivers a brilliant and archly humored film, filled with intricate details and witty dialogue. A visually stunning and thought-provoking experience. However, its self-awareness and heavy symbolism might distance some viewers.
• Sight & Sound: “A masterpiece of cinematic artifice. The Draughtsman’s Contract brilliantly blends a murder mystery with social satire. It’s also a philosophical study of perception, making it a visually and intellectually rewarding film.
• Variety: “This is a visually sumptuous and intellectually stimulating film from Peter Greenaway. Anthony Higgins is excellent. Janet Suzman is sublime. Its challenging narrative and stylized visuals may not appeal to all audiences.

Audience Reactions

Visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.: Most viewers admired the unique visual style and the film’s complexity.

Witty dialogue makes this movie an interesting experience.: A lot of people like the movie’s witty and well-written dialogue, but others find it pretentious.

Overall Consensus: A visually striking and intellectually complex film that may not be for everyone but rewards those who appreciate its unique style and wit.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Peter Greenaway, who has a background in fine arts, personally created the sketches featured in the film. The close-up shots of the draughtsman’s hands drawing are actually his own.”
• “The film was shot entirely on location at Groombridge Place, near Tunbridge Wells on the East Sussex/West Kent border, England.”
• “Peter Greenaway originally screened a three-hour version of the movie at festivals in 1982, which included more details about the rationale behind the moving statue.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Draughtsman’s Contract?

As a less widely distributed film, ‘The Draughtsman’s Contract’ may be available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or through smaller, independent film streaming services. Check your local listings for availability on these and other platforms. Availability can vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Draughtsman’s Contract, you might like these similar films:

• Last Year at Marienbad (1961): Alain Resnais’ film influenced Peter Greenaway, with its enigmatic plot, elaborate setting and dreamlike quality.
• The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989): Also directed by Peter Greenaway, this film shares his signature visual style, themes of class, sex, death, and moral decay.
• Barry Lyndon (1975): Like The Draughtsman’s Contract, this is a period piece focusing on English Aristocracy, with stunning cinematography and a story about social climbing and hidden motives.
• Blow-Up (1966): Another movie about the interpretation of images that has a murder mystery plot.

🛒 The Draughtsman’s Contract Related Products

• Peter Greenaway: Complete Film Works [Blu-ray]: A collector’s edition featuring all of Peter Greenaway’s films, providing a comprehensive look into his unique cinematic style and artistic vision.
• Michael Nyman: The Draughtsman’s Contract Soundtrack: The complete original soundtrack by Michael Nyman, featuring his iconic minimalist compositions inspired by Henry Purcell, available as a digital download.
• 17th Century Baroque Aristocrat Costume: High-quality costume inspired by the film’s extravagant baroque fashion, perfect for cosplay or historical reenactments.
• The Draughtsman’s Contract: A Screenplay and Commentary: A detailed book containing the screenplay of the film, along with in-depth commentary and analysis by Peter Greenaway, providing insights into his creative process.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Draughtsman’s Contract features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Chasing Sheep Is Best Left To Shepherds” – performed by Michael Nyman
• “The Plotting of the Lines” – performed by Michael Nyman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

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