Overview

J'accuse is an 'essay-istic' documentary in which Greenaway's fierce criticism of today's visual illiteracy is argued by means of a forensic search of Rembrandt's Nightwatch. Greenaway explains the background, the context, the conspiracy, the murder and the motives of all its 34 painted characters who have conspired to kill for their combined self-advantage. Greenaway leads us through Rembrandt's paintings into 17th century Amsterdam. He paints a world that is democratic in principle, but is almost entirely ruled by twelve families. The notion exists of these regents as charitable and compassionate beings. However, reality was different.

Top Cast

Peter Greenaway

Himself / Public Prosecutor

Martin Freeman

Rembrandt

Eva Birthistle

Saskia

Jodhi May

Geertje

E

Emily Holmes

Hendrickje

Jonathan Holmes

Ferdinand Bol

Michael Teigen

Carel Fabritius

Natalie Press

Marieke

Toby Jones