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Peter Greenaway's first fiction feature (after the mock-documentary The Falls) made him immediately famous and was named one of the most original films of the 1980s by British critics. The action is set in the director's beloved 17th century. Ambitious young artist Mr. Neville (Anthony Higgins) is invited by Mrs. Herbert (Janet Suzman) to make 12 elaborate sketches of her estate. Besides money, the contract includes sexual favors that Mrs. Herbert will offer to the draughtsman in the absence of Mr. Herbert. Entirely confident in his ability to weave a web of intrigues, Mr. Neville eventually becomes a victim of someone else's elaborate scheme. The film is structured as a sophisticated intellectual puzzle like the ones popular in the 17th century.

Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Romance

Starring: Anthony Higgins, Janet Suzman, Dave Hill

Released: October 2, 1982

Runtime: 103.0

Popularity Rating: 2.445

British Film Institute (BFI)

United Kingdom

Mr. Neville Anthony Higgins
Virginia Herbert Janet Suzman
Herbert Dave Hill
Sarah Talmann Anne-Louise Lambert
Mr. Talmann Hugh Fraser
Thomas Noyes Neil Cunningham
Poulenc Brother David Meyer
Poulenc Brother Tony Meyer
Mr Parkes Nicholas Amer
Mrs Pierpont Suzan Crowley
Mrs Clement Lynda La Plante
The Statue Michael Feast
Seymour David Gant
Philip Alastair Cumming
Hoyten Steve Ubels

Art — Production Design: Bob Ringwood
Camera — Director of Photography: Curtis Clark
Costume & Make-Up — Costume Design: Sue Blane
Directing — Director: Peter Greenaway
Editing — Editor: John Wilson
Production — Producer: David Payne
Sound — Music: Michael Nyman
Sound — Sound Designer: Godfrey Kirby
Writing — Screenplay: Peter Greenaway