Renowned for his distinctive and avant-garde approach to filmmaking, Peter Greenaway stands as a cinematic auteur who has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. With a career spanning several decades, Greenaway has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling with movies like A Zed & Two Noughts, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover and more. In this exploration, we delve into his creative genius, uncovering the 10 best Peter Greenaway movies, available to rent on platforms like Apple TV, that showcase his unparalleled storytelling prowess.
Who is Peter Greenaway?
Peter Greenaway is a renowned British filmmaker, born on April 5, 1942, whose career has been defined by an innovative and avant-garde approach to cinema. With a background in painting and literature, Greenaway has woven his artistic sensibilities into the fabric of filmmaking. Notable for challenging conventional storytelling, Greenaway has directed several acclaimed works, including The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, a darkly comedic and visually striking exploration of human relationships and decadence. Moreover, he also directed The Draughtsman’s Contract, a period piece that intertwines art, murder, and mystery. These films, among others, showcase Greenaway’s unique vision and have left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary cinema.
Why are these movies considered the best Peter Greenaway movies?
The acclaim for Peter Greenaway’s films extends beyond critical circles, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response from audiences on Ranker.com. The fact that people on Ranker.com really like Peter Greenaway’s movies shows that his films are still popular and have a lasting impact. The audience’s overall love for these movies confirms that they are some of the best in Greenaway’s impressive career as a director. Let us have a detailed look at the top 10 Peter Greenaway movies, as ranked by Ranker.com.
1. The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5/10 | Crime, Drama | Richard Bohringer, Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren | 2h 4min |
In Peter Greenaway’s provocative film, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, the narrative unfolds in a lavish restaurant where Albert Spica, a ruthless and gluttonous crime lord, dines regularly. The story revolves around the complex relationships between Spica, his wife Georgina, and her lover Michael. As the film progresses, the restaurant becomes a symbolic stage for the characters’ power struggles and moral dilemmas. The distinct color-coded sections of the restaurant add a visually striking element, enhancing the film’s intense atmosphere. Greenaway’s exploration of decadence, brutality, and retribution makes this crime drama a visceral and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
2. The Draughtsman’s Contract (1982)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.2/10 | Comedy, Drama, Mystery | Anthony Higgins, Janet Suzman, Anne-Louise Lambert | 1h 43min |
Set against the backdrop of 17th-century England, The Draughtsman’s Contract is a unique blend of comedy, drama, and mystery. The film follows the story of Mr. Neville, a talented artist hired to create a series of drawings of an estate. As he becomes entangled in the lives of the inhabitants, a complex web of intrigue and deception unfolds. Greenaway’s meticulous attention to period details, combined with a labyrinthine narrative structure, creates a visually stunning and intellectually engaging cinematic experience. The film’s exploration of power dynamics, artistic creation, and hidden motives adds depth to its historical setting.
3. A Zed & Two Noughts (1985)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.2/10 | Comedy, Drama | Brian Deacon, Eric Deacon, Andréa Ferréol | 1h 55min |
A Zed & Two Noughts delves into the dark and surreal as it follows the lives of two twin brothers, Oliver and Oswald Deuce. After a car accident that claims the lives of their wives, the brothers become fascinated with decay and the interconnectedness of life and death. Greenaway weaves a complex narrative that explores themes of loss, transformation, and obsession. The film’s visually arresting cinematography, coupled with its exploration of symmetry and decomposition, creates an atmosphere of eerie beauty. With a blend of dark humor and profound philosophical undertones, Greenaway invites audiences to ponder the intricacies of mortality.
4. Drowning by Numbers (1988)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.2/10 | Comedy, Drama | Bernard Hill, Joan Plowright, Juliet Stevenson | 1h 58min |
In Drowning by Numbers, Peter Greenaway employs a whimsical and playful narrative structure to tell the interconnected stories of three women who, in a symbolic act, drown their husbands. The film unfolds with a focus on numerical patterns, showcasing Greenaway’s fascination with order and chaos. The picturesque countryside setting serves as a backdrop to the women’s actions, adding a surreal quality to the storytelling. As the numerical motifs are woven into the fabric of the film, Drowning by Numbers becomes a visually enchanting exploration of love, revenge, and the idiosyncrasies of human behaviour.
5. The Belly of an Architect (1987)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.9/10 | Drama | Brian Dennehy, Chloe Webb, Lambert Wilson | 1h 59min |
Set against the backdrop of Rome, The Belly of an Architect follows the story of Stourley Kracklite, an American architect obsessed with the works of Étienne-Louis Boullée. As Kracklite navigates the historical architecture of Rome, his internal struggles with health issues and personal demons come to the fore. Greenaway explores themes of artistic obsession, the fragility of life, and the tension between modernity and history. The film’s visually stunning sequences, including Kracklite’s interactions with the city’s architectural wonders, contribute to its meditative and introspective atmosphere. The Belly of an Architect stands as a testament to Greenaway’s ability to blend intellectual depth with cinematic beauty.
6. The Pillow Book (1996)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7/10 | Drama | Vivian Wu, Ewan McGregor, Yoshi Oida | 2h 6min |
The Pillow Book is a visually opulent and narratively intricate film that explores themes of identity, desire, and the intersection of personal and cultural history. The story follows Nagiko, a young Japanese woman with a unique fetish: she seeks lovers who will write on her body. As she navigates through various relationships, Nagiko’s journey becomes intertwined with her pursuit of artistic expression and a desire to escape societal constraints. Director Peter Greenaway employs a rich visual style, combining calligraphy, eroticism, and a non-linear narrative structure to create a film that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. The Pillow Book stands as a testament to Greenaway’s ability to push cinematic boundaries.
7. Prospero’s Books (1991)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8/10 | Drama, Fantasy | John Gielgud, Michael Clark, Michel Blanc | 2h 4min |
Prospero’s Books is a visually sumptuous and experimental adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” Peter Greenaway takes a bold approach by incorporating intricate sets, stunning visuals, and a multitude of books to create a unique cinematic experience. Sir John Gielgud portrays Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, who uses his magical books to control the elements and seek revenge on those who wronged him. The film is a sensory feast, with each frame meticulously designed to reflect the themes and emotions of Shakespeare’s play. Greenaway’s Prospero’s Books is a masterclass in blending literature, art, and cinema into a mesmerizing exploration of power and transformation.
8. The Baby of Mâcon (1993)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.9/10 | Drama, History | Julia Ormond, Ralph Fiennes, Philip Stone | 2h 2min |
The Baby of Mâcon is a controversial and thought-provoking film that delves into themes of greed, manipulation, and the destructive power of mass hysteria. Set in 17th-century Mâcon, the story revolves around a town that believes a miraculous childbirth has occurred. As the baby becomes a symbol of divine intervention, the town’s leaders exploit the situation for their own gain, leading to tragic consequences. Peter Greenaway’s film challenges societal norms, religious fervor, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The visually striking cinematography and allegorical storytelling make The Baby of Mâcon a challenging yet compelling cinematic experience.
9. The Falls (1980)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3/10 | Drama, Fantasy | Peter Westley, John Moulder-Brown, Charles Raybone | 3h 15min |
The Falls is a unique and ambitious film that presents a fictional documentary about a mysterious event called the Violent Unknown Event (VUE). The narrative unfolds through a series of interviews with individuals affected by the VUE, each having developed a bizarre, often uncontrollable, new skill. With a vast and intricate narrative that explores the lives of hundreds of characters, Peter Greenaway creates a cinematic experience that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The film’s structure, combining pseudo-scientific documentation with artistic expression, showcases Greenaway’s avant-garde storytelling.
10. Goltzius and the Pelican Company (2012)
| IMDb Rating | Genre | Stars | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5/10 | Biography, Comedy, History | F. Murray Abraham, Anne Louise Hassing, Ramsey Nasr | 2h 8min |
Goltzius and the Pelican Company is a historical drama that explores the life of the Dutch printer and engraver Hendrik Goltzius. Set in the late 16th century, the film follows Goltzius as he seeks the patronage of the Margrave of Alsace by presenting him with a collection of erotic prints. Peter Greenaway uses this historical context to delve into themes of art, censorship, and the relationship between the artist and the patron. The film’s visual style, reminiscent of the art of the period, complements the narrative, making Goltzius and the Pelican Company a visually striking exploration of art, power, and desire.
Summing it up!
In the realm of cinema, Peter Greenaway’s contribution has been nothing short of revolutionary. His films, characterized by their intricate narratives, visual splendour, and intellectual depth, have earned him a place among the most influential directors in the industry. From The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover to The Draughtsman’s Contract, each film becomes a canvas where Greenaway paints vivid tales that linger in the minds of audiences. The 10 best Peter Greenaway movies remain a testament to the power of pushing his artistic boundaries!
