Rembrandt's J'accuse (2009)
-
100% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
79% of users liked it
(298 ratings)
Filmmaker Peter Greenaway explored the life and work of the celebrated Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn in his 2007 drama Nightwatching, and he returns to this theme in the documentary Rembrandt's J'Accuse, in which he presents an in-depth analysis of one of Rembrandt's best-known… More Filmmaker Peter Greenaway explored the life and work of the celebrated Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn in his 2007 drama Nightwatching, and he returns to this theme in the documentary Rembrandt's J'Accuse, in which he presents an in-depth analysis of one of Rembrandt's best-known paintings, 1642's "The Night Watch." With Greenaway offering an onscreen narration through much of the film, the director presents an illustrated lecture on the artist, the painting, and the many circumstances behind it -- the culture and politics of Holland in the 17th century, the real-life figures depicted in the painting (among them Capt. Frans Banning Cocq and Willem van Ruytenburgh), the controversy that surrounded these men, and the subtle suggestions Rembrandt's representation advanced -- and why some believe backlash over "The Night Watch" brought Rembrandt's career to a premature end. In addition to paintings and text, Greenaway also features several actors who are "interviewed" as key figures in the story: Martin Freeman appears as Rembrandt (as he did in Nightwatching), Eva Birthistle portrays his wife, Saskia, and Emily Holmes and Jodhi May impersonate their household servants. Rembrandt's J'Accuse was an official selection at Toronto's 2009 Hot Docs Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Peter Greenaway
- Written By
- Peter Greenaway
- Genres
- Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Oct 4, 2008 Wide
- Studio
- Film Forum
Critic Reviews
-
Manohla Dargis, New York Times
A generally absorbing if sometimes fog-inducing investigation into the mysteries of the Rembrandt painting The Night Watch.
-
David Fear, Time Out New York
[Greenaway] once studied to become a painter himself; apparently, he's harbored dreams of being an amateur sleuth as well.
-
J. Hoberman, Village Voice
Peering beneath the painted surface and searching in the shadows, tracking that which was cut from the canvas and mapping the network of glances that remain, the filmmaker uncovers a foul, lurid, corrupt, and perversely compelling conspiracy.
-
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Like all Greenaway films, it's not for all tastes.
-
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
More than merely a resource for art historians and students, "Rembrandt's J'Accuse" is a gift from an underestimated genius of cinema. You might just might want to see it a second time.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Martin Freeman
as Rembrandt van Rijn
-
Eva Birthistle
as Saskia
-
Jodhi May
as Geertje
-
Emily Holmes
as Hendrickje
-
Jonathan Homes
as Ferdinand Bol
-
Michael Teigen
as Carel Fabritus
-
Natalie Press
as Marieke
