MovieChat Forums > The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1990) Discussion > Simply Stunning

Simply Stunning

posted 6 years ago by Nostromo (212)
11 replies | jump to latest

Just WOW. You can have all the expensive digital cameras in the world, but this movie shows that lighting, set design and Direction can make a movie. It's an extraordinary film - beautiful, bizarre and barbaric. I've read previously that it has political undertones but I just let the film assault my eyes and brain for the crazy dream like experience that it is. I was mesmerized by the very first frame and didn't stop until the credits rolled. It unfolds like a play, and even the first shot resembles curtains being drawn for act 1. Food, sex and violence are constant themes as the rich gorge on ridiculous dishes and the poor work in the kitchens. It's a stunning film to watch in High Definition, and Michael Gambon is terrific as the vile villain.

8.5/10 maybe higher

[–] AP (5258) 6 years ago

Greenaway's films stay with me in ways few filmmakers do.

[–] Nostromo (212) 6 years ago

Can you recommend 1 or 2 more of his that are good?

[–] AP (5258) 6 years ago

Prospero’s Books and The Pillow Book are both very fascinating.

[–] Nostromo (212) 6 years ago

Thanks, I'll check them out.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

It you haven't seen A Zed & Two Noughts, you should. This is of course just my opinion, but it is incredible and beautiful.

[–] Nostromo (212) 6 years ago

Also added to the list, cheers.

[–] sslssg (27652) 6 years ago

I need a like button here as I second this!

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Right!? I was pretty young when I first watched it and it felt life altering

[–] sslssg (27652) 6 years ago

I honestly couldn't get through it when I was younger as it was a little too much the first time. I tried again in my late teens and was just like Wow.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Oh for sure not a movie for the kids! Lol, when I say pretty young I meant my early twenties! 😜

[–] sslssg (27652) 6 years ago

We were the types that looked for adult movies. I mean it was the 80's. I know it took me a few times and some maturing to appreciate Rocky Horror as well.