The Draughtsman's Contract is a British period drama film from 1982, written and directed by Peter Greenaway. Set in 1694, the film follows Mr. Neville (Anthony Higgins), a talented draughtsman who is commissioned by Mrs. Herbert (Janet Suzman) to make twelve drawings of her husband's estate, Weston Manor.
Mrs. Herbert's husband is away on a mysterious business trip, and she wants the drawings as a gift for his return. Neville agrees to the task and moves into the manor, where he begins to sketch the landscape and the people who live there.
As Neville continues with his work, he becomes embroiled in the strange and secretive lives of the manor's inhabitants. He begins to suspect that things are not as they seem, and that there may be a darker motive behind Mrs. Herbert's commission.
The movie is presented like a puzzle, with each scene revealing something new about the characters and their motivations. The sumptuous visuals and intricate plot combine to create a compelling and mysterious film, full of wit and intrigue.
The Draughtsman's Contract was well-received by critics and is now considered a classic of British cinema. It is notable for its lush cinematography, clever dialogue, and intricate storytelling, as well as its exploration of themes such as power, gender, and artistic creation.