The Draughtsman's Contract 1982

Overview

The Draughtsman's Contract is a 1982 film directed by Peter Greenaway that is categorized as a history, mystery, and comedy. Set in a stylized version of 17th-century England, the narrative follows a brash young draftsman named R. Neville. He is hired to produce a series of twelve landscape illustrations at the estate of Mr. Herbert and his wife, Virginia. The arrangement includes monetary compensation and the offer of a sexual liaison with Virginia while her husband is away. The plot takes a turn when the body of Mr. Herbert is discovered on the estate grounds. Neville soon finds that his own drawings contain mysterious clues that point toward the identity of the killer. The production is noted for its intricate wordplay, extravagant costumes, and opulent photography. The film has been remastered in 4K by the BFI National Archive and is credited with establishing Peter Greenaway as a prominent figure in international art cinema. The motion picture has a runtime of one hour and forty-eight minutes.