Reviews of Rembrandt's J'accuse
Displaying all 2 reviews
Law
29Sep09
A rather bizarre visual essay that argues that within Rembrandt’s Night Watch is an accusation of murder and conspiracy. Regardless of whether or not one buys Greenaway’s point, his fascinating deconstruction of the painting and opening statement rails against visual literacy and encourages us to further open our eyes and our minds when analysing images. Therefore, even if the conspiracy does not appear factual to you, watch this film anyway for the message and the absurdly humourous moments.
- Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
David CP Leland
27Apr09
Rembrandt’s J’accuse is an intense and opinionated investigation into the hidden meanings, and agenda, of the painting known as “The Night Watch”. Peter Greenaway inveighs against visual illiteracy with this examination of the painting as a gateway to the events of 17th Century Amsterdam. The results were dire for Rembrandt, his career ended up in ruins, and the crime he intended to expose was never prosecuted, despite public exhibition of the painting from the time it was new. Despite having not given any motivation for Rembrandt to have undertaken that risky venture, Greenaway’s investigation reaches a clear conclusion, nay – an indictment, that damns Amsterdam’s Golden Era and urges our re-examination of those important years. This film is a professionally scripted, shot and edited as it is thought provoking and curious.