The Draughtsman’s Contract
The Draughtsman’s Contract
Directed by Peter Greenaway
(UK, 1982, digital restoration, in English, German, and Dutch with English subtitles)
40th Anniversary Digital Restoration
Intricate wordplay, extravagant costumes, and opulent photography weave a labyrinthine mystery in 17th-century England. While her husband is away, an aristocratic wife commissions a young draughtsman to sketch her husband’s estate—in exchange for a fee, room and board, and one sexual favor for each of the 12 drawings. As the artist becomes entrenched in the devious scheming at the country home, curious details emerge in his drawings that may reveal a murder. A sensuously charged brainteaser, The Draughtsman’s Contract catapulted director Peter Greenaway to the forefront of international art cinema.
Visiting Guidelines Masks are recommended in Museum auditoriums. Advance tickets are also recommended. In the interest of your personal safety and community health, please observe all precautions set forth by the MFAH—learn more here. Doors open 30 minutes before the screening starts. No late entry.
Accessibility The MFAH strives to provide a welcoming and accessible experience for all guests by offering a range of accommodations—learn more here.
The MFAH film department is supported by Tenaris; the Vaughn Foundation; The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Nina and Michael Zilkha; Consulate General of Italy in Houston; Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles; Consulate General of Brazil in Houston; Franci Neely; Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick; Ms. Laurence Unger; L’Alliance Française de Houston; and ILEX Foundation.
The Draughtsman’s Contract
Directed by Peter Greenaway
(UK, 1982, 108 minutes)
Brown Auditorium Theater