Possibly Greenaway's greatest work, and possibly (dare I say it?) John Gielgud's greatest as well. This film is so full of amazing talent in incidental roles, and ground-breaking cinematography, that it's easy to forgive the weak performance of one or two main characters. Add the Greenaway's usual lineup for the score by Micheal Nyman along with unique vocals, with state of the art digital effects masterfully and transparently placed in a medieval setting, and you have the elements of a masterpiece. I also appreciated the effect of the slow but then sudden realization toward the end that the whole story may just have been a phantasm leading to utter madness, or maybe it was all in truth, but that ultimately, truth is nothing more than what is imagined, so the question is mute. That is a stellar ending, and for the viewers attentively following the story it is unexpected, and leaves one reeling in awe.
Review of Prospero's Books
