Although this is a dull movie overall and very slow paced, I have watched it through a couple of times and i did enjoy it. Not sure what message peter Greenway is trying to convey (I haven't seen his previous films) and I am not knowledgeable of the Rembrandt paintings. I suspect Greenway recognized a story in this one and went for it. There is nudity and sex acts performed but none more so than Dorian Gray. All works of art even by Shakespeare in literature and as with the Nighwatch, what this film tells us in 16th century life, are commissions; was Rembrandt really painting with any true freedom? The film is sponsored by the Uk Film council, lots of fine British actors appearing such as Martin Freeman, but I didn't get the connection with Poland and the involvement of the Polish film Insitute. the 'murder' (or military accident) ? was integral to the story of the film and Rembrandt purposefully includes 'him' in the painting to the exclusion of others who had supposedly commissioned the painting in the first instant. the film doesn't reach any great heights and is definitely one to watch on DVD, not at the cinema and perhaps in stages when you are in the 'mood' for it. Might pay special attention to check the painting when I am next in Amsterdam.
Review of Nightwatching
