Watch Rembrandt's J'accuse

Rembrandt's J'accuse is a 2008 film that takes a unique approach to the life and work of former Dutch painter, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. It is a thought-provoking film that combines elements of historical drama and crime mystery in a way that challenges the viewer's perceptions of art, politics, and the human experience itself. The film directed by Peter Greenaway and features an exceptional cast including Martin Freeman, Eva Birthistle, and Jodhi May.

The film is presented in the form of a visual essay, in which Greenaway explores the significance and legacy of Rembrandt's most famous painting, The Night Watch. The film takes the form of a trial, in which the accused is the Amsterdam city government, rather than Rembrandt himself. The painting, according to Greenaway, harbors a secret that implicates the Dutch government in a conspiracy to kill a prominent member of society.

The film begins with a montage that foreshadows the major themes of the story. We are shown glimpses of Amsterdam's canals, squares, and buildings, accompanied by the narrator's voiceover, that presents us with the idea that the city of Amsterdam is a metropolis where political intrigue, social norms, and artistic inspiration converge. After the credits, the audience is introduced to the narrator, played by Martin Freeman, who is a fictional character named Rembrandt, a descendant of the famous painter who shares his name.

Rembrandt sets the scene by explaining that The Night Watch is actually an image that testifies against the Amsterdam city government. The painting, according to him, contains hidden visual clues that can help reveal a plot to murder a prominent citizen. He uses the painting as evidence to support his accusations, and what follows is a series of flashbacks that give historical context to The Night Watch and Rembrandt's life at the time of its creation.

As the story progresses, the audience is taken on a journey through Amsterdam's history, politics, and society while Rembrandt exposes the government's corruption and hypocrisy. The film touches on various themes such as power, art, money, and politics in a way that is both engaging and informative. We are introduced to a range of characters that include Rembrandt's friends, family, patrons, and critics, who all have different perspectives of the Amsterdam society.

The cast of the film is exceptional, with Martin Freeman giving a commendable performance as the narrator, Rembrandt. He displays a deep understanding of the character and delivers his lines with conviction, adding humor and intrigue to the film. Eva Birthistle and Jodhi May also deliver great performances as two of Rembrandt's wives, and use their screen time to portray how women are treated in the 17th century, while also commenting on Rembrandt's own relationships.

The film is very visually captivating with its use of camera angles, colors, and lighting to create an eerie and mystical atmosphere. Greenaway also uses the screen itself as a canvas, projecting images and information onto it as a way of supplementing the narrator's storytelling. His use of mise-en-scène, or the use of space within a frame, is also impressive, creating depth and meaning through every shot.

In conclusion, Rembrandt's J'accuse is a remarkable film that offers a fresh take on the life and work of Rembrandt. Greenaway's storytelling and Freeman's narration complemented with the great performances by the cast make this film worth watching. The film teaches us about history, art appreciation, and the complexities of human nature. It is an innovative and intelligent film, unique in its genre, and a must-watch for film buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

Rembrandt's J'accuse is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 76.