This long and beautiful film from Peter Greenaway about Dutch master Rembrandt has his hallmark as-art, framed set pieces, exquisitely lit and presented, as though they were the original masterpieces themselves. It is both breathtaking and immediately demands attention.
Though not a real follower of art or artists, I certainly can appreciate this film and as a photographer I can really understand the aesthetics and compositions. It's true to say that I didn't follow every nuance of every scene as it seemed to get very involved. Therefore, I won't go into the ins and outs myself, as I wouldn't want to mislead.
However, what I found lacking was Martin Freeman's lack of emotional depth and whilst he genuinely looks made for the part, he cannot convey the anger without simply shouting. He seemed to be able to only change his state of emotion by voice alone and even then, he lacks the finesse needed. And, whilst the virtue of having framed still art-pieces pleased the eye, a continuous chain of them, with the camera not moving (but characters in them, were) lead to a wish sometimes for more visual fluidity.
I also found the profane language jarring and unnecessary. I'm not saying that the Dutch didn't swear in the 17th century but here it is ugly and as strong as it can get. Shakespeare didn't use such words (I know he's earlier) and I'm sure alternatives could have been found. The quite strong sex scenes are more easily accepted for obvious reasons.
All along though, despite what I have just said, it was a privilege to be watching Nightwatching. I probably do need to see it again, to make sense of it all and hope that my pre-conceived prejudices against Mr Freeman don't spoil this too much.
Though not a real follower of art or artists, I certainly can appreciate this film and as a photographer I can really understand the aesthetics and compositions. It's true to say that I didn't follow every nuance of every scene as it seemed to get very involved. Therefore, I won't go into the ins and outs myself, as I wouldn't want to mislead.
However, what I found lacking was Martin Freeman's lack of emotional depth and whilst he genuinely looks made for the part, he cannot convey the anger without simply shouting. He seemed to be able to only change his state of emotion by voice alone and even then, he lacks the finesse needed. And, whilst the virtue of having framed still art-pieces pleased the eye, a continuous chain of them, with the camera not moving (but characters in them, were) lead to a wish sometimes for more visual fluidity.
I also found the profane language jarring and unnecessary. I'm not saying that the Dutch didn't swear in the 17th century but here it is ugly and as strong as it can get. Shakespeare didn't use such words (I know he's earlier) and I'm sure alternatives could have been found. The quite strong sex scenes are more easily accepted for obvious reasons.
All along though, despite what I have just said, it was a privilege to be watching Nightwatching. I probably do need to see it again, to make sense of it all and hope that my pre-conceived prejudices against Mr Freeman don't spoil this too much.