The Belly of an Architect
by Peter Greenaway
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Brian Dennehy, Chloe Webb, Lambert Wilson, Sergio Fantoni, Stefania CasiniDirector: Peter Greenaway
Brand: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 119 minutes
Published: 2004-06-01
DVD Release Date: 2004-06-15
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Movie Reviews of The Belly of an Architect
Movie Review: "A Man Obsessed With Death...As Well As Life"
Summary: 5 Stars
There are those certain films that contain both known, and unknown elements which have a way of drawing me to them: This is one of those films. Many times I cannot explain why a film captured my attention and held it, while other times I can. Maybe part of this is the characters in the films, while other times the cinematography and musical score can do it? But ALWAYS, it is the narrative of a film that has that magical touch that hooks me right in. And this film did it for me. I cannot guarantee that you will like this film; I sure did, but I do recommend that you at least rent the film and give it a look. I found the films beautiful and at times haunting musical score captivating, and it was perfectly matched with this film and the breathtaking beauty of Rome. Moreover, it was the acting performance by Brian Dennehy which I found to be incredibly outstanding!
Directed by Peter Greenaway, I believe this film to be his masterpiece. I know of others who point to his other works; however, this is my favorite film of his. And I think this IS his masterpiece. I found myself riveted to the character portrayed by Brian Dennehy, and was amazed at the performance he gave. For me, Brian Dennehy gave the performance of his life. "The Belly Of An Architect" stars Stourley Kracklight (Brian Dennehy) as an American architect who has traveled to Rome with his wife Louisa (Chloe Webb), in order to give an exhibition of his favorite architect. And once again, the scenery of Rome is a delight, and the musical score is truly outstanding.
Stourley Kracklight is the films main protagonist whose journey to Rome will be one of heartache, and bellyache---literally! His primary goal as an architect, and the reason he has traveled to Rome is to elevate the status of an architect he believes has been sorely neglected. This man in question is that of the 18th-Century architect Etienne Louis Boulee. Kracklight is in Rome to give an exhibition on the works and influence of Boulee, which Kracklight has devoted more than ten years of his life studying. However, events in Kracklight's life will take a different turn as he begins to have stomach pains. But it is not just his stomach that is bothering him; Kracklight is also having a mental breakdown. And this will only worsen as his own terminal illness and obsession with death begins to consume him.
Although there are other narratives taking place in the film, it is Stourley Kracklight's life and illness that is of primary focus. Yes, there is friction in his marriage with his wifes infidelities, and his own jealousies of the younger men around him. Some warranted, others not. But this film is about much more than a failing marriage. It is about a man whose obsession with death has consumed him. Dennehy's performance as a man obsessed with life as much as death permeates every scene he is in. He even goes so far as to write postcards to the long ago deceased Boulee. This film explores deep into the soul of Kracklight and his mental break with all those around him, and the saddening toll this takes on his life as he attempts to cope with his terminal illness, while also showing how his illness is effecting his creative process too. This film has always fascinated me, however, it may not appeal to all audiences. But I highly recommend the film. It's a terrific drama, and deserves at least a rent if your not sure of purchasing the film.[Stars: 4.5]
Summary of The Belly of an Architect
Writer-director Peter Greenaway (The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover) puts "the 'art' back into the art film" (The Hollywood Reporter) with this work of "pure visual poetry" (Boston Herald) that "celebrates Rome and its architecture with elegance and discernment" (The New York Times) and boasts Brian Dennehy's "best performance of his screen career" (LA Weekly)! American architect Stourley Kracklite (Dennehy) can't see the beauty in Rome throughhis pain. Intense stomachaches are crippling him and, worse, he believes his pregnant young wife ishaving an affair with his archrival! As his suspicions turn to paranoia and obsession, and his marriage, health and reputation begin to unravel, this once-respected man becomes consumed by his own self-torture from the inside out!Similar DVD Movies
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