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Nightwatching is a historical drama film directed and written by Peter Greenaway. It was released in 2007 and stars Martin Freeman, Emily Holmes, and Eva Birthistle. The movie is a recreation of the life of Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn and his most famous painting, The Night Watch. The movie is a dark and brooding look into the life and times of the famous artist Rembrandt. The film is set in the 17th century in Amsterdam, where the painter Rembrandt creates the masterpiece painting The Night Watch. The painting is famous for its use of light and shadow, and it depicts the officers and guards of the Dutch militia. The film tries to explore the events that led up to the creation of the masterpiece and the conspiracy theories that surround it.

Martin Freeman portrays Rembrandt van Rijn in the movie, and he delivers a powerful performance of a tormented artist who is obsessed with his craft. Emily Holmes plays his beloved wife Saskia, who is always on the side of her husband and helps him get through his struggles. Eva Birthistle plays the famous muse of Rembrandt, Hendrickje Stoffels, who is portrayed as a seductive and manipulative character. The other supporting cast includes Michael Teigen, Jodhi May, and Toby Jones.

The movie is a departure from Greenaway's usual style, which is characterized by his use of complex themes, experimental visuals, and non-linear narratives. Here, he slows down the pace and focuses on the characters and their relationships with each other. The cinematography is stunning, with each frame resembling a painting itself. The use of light and shadow is particularly remarkable, especially in the scenes where Rembrandt is creating his masterpiece.

The movie takes a closer look into Rembrandt's life and the events that led to the creation of his painting. The director tries to explore the secrets and mysteries that surround the painting and its subjects. The movie suggests that there is a lot more to the painting than what meets the eye.

The film is divided into different chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of Rembrandt's life. The first chapter focuses on the creation of The Night Watch and the relationship between Rembrandt and his assistant. The second chapter explores Rembrandt's infidelity and his relationship with Hendrickje. The third chapter introduces a subplot about the murder of one of the guards in the painting and how it affected Rembrandt's work.

The movie is not a straightforward historical drama but contains elements of mystery and intrigue. It suggests that there might be more to Rembrandt's painting than just a simple portrayal of a military scene. The movie tries to uncover the hidden meanings and messages behind the painting. It suggests that Rembrandt might have included secret symbols and codes in his painting, which could have gotten him in trouble with the Dutch authorities.

The film is a visual treat, with each scene intricately designed and beautifully shot. The use of lights and shadows creates an eerie and mysterious atmosphere, adding to the overall mood of the movie. The performances are top-notch, with Martin Freeman delivering a career-defining performance as Rembrandt. The other actors, too, are superb and bring their characters to life.

In conclusion, Nightwatching is a must-watch for anyone interested in art, history, and mysteries. The movie is a stunning recreation of a masterpiece painting and the events that led to its creation. The director brings his unique vision and style to the movie, creating an experience that is both visually and intellectually stimulating. The film is a tribute to the art of Rembrandt and a reminder of the secrets and mysteries that surround some of the world's greatest works of art.

Nightwatching is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.