The destructive aspects of a dysfunctional relationship are examined in "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover," a striking and emotionally gripping drama released in 1989.
Michael Gambon provides a tour-de-force performance as the cruel and violent robber Albert Spica, and Helen Mirren is equally impressive as his long-suffering wife Georgina. The rest of the ensemble, led by Tim Roth and Alan Howard, is equally excellent. Peter Greenaway's cinematography and Michael Nyman's soundtrack are both stunning.
What really distinguishes this picture, though, is its examination of power, brutality, and the human need for love and freedom. The screenplay by Peter Greenaway is sharp and well-written, and it encourages the audience to ponder the corrosive consequences of power and the role of love in the face of persecution.
Strong performances and a thought-provoking storyline raise "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover" to the level of a visually spectacular and emotionally impactful picture. Any viewer seeking a visually gorgeous and emotionally powerful picture should not miss this.
Michael Gambon provides a tour-de-force performance as the cruel and violent robber Albert Spica, and Helen Mirren is equally impressive as his long-suffering wife Georgina. The rest of the ensemble, led by Tim Roth and Alan Howard, is equally excellent. Peter Greenaway's cinematography and Michael Nyman's soundtrack are both stunning.
What really distinguishes this picture, though, is its examination of power, brutality, and the human need for love and freedom. The screenplay by Peter Greenaway is sharp and well-written, and it encourages the audience to ponder the corrosive consequences of power and the role of love in the face of persecution.
Strong performances and a thought-provoking storyline raise "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover" to the level of a visually spectacular and emotionally impactful picture. Any viewer seeking a visually gorgeous and emotionally powerful picture should not miss this.