A young artist is contracted to execute twelve drawings of a lavish country house in 17th century England. Drawn into an amorous relationship with the two devious ladies of the house, he sketches and produces visual hints of murder. He soon finds himself caught in the simmering viciousness of the overrefined souls of the landed aristocracy. As always, Peter Greenaway supplies gorgeous compositions that meditate on the artist's passion for order and the tyranny of systems—whether social or aesthetic. "The most original and compelling British film in years." (Newsweek) "Astonishingly elegant!" (NY Times) "A comedy-mystery laced with Triple-Sec humor." (Time) 35mm
1982, color, 1 hour 48 minutes, UK