Review of The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989) by Aaron W — 08 Sep 2008

This is my first Greenaway and it certainly was one hell of a film.

First things first, the set for this thing is unbelievable. It's like one huge stage. Each section of the stage is a part of this restaurant (dining room, kitchen, back alley and W.C.) and each part has its own color motif which is usually matched by the clothes of those within the room, even as characters walk, storm, or are dragged from room to room their clothes change color. It's technically impressive and visually stunning.

The acting is amazing. Michael Gambon plays Albert Spica, a character that might even surpass Dennis Hopper's Frank Booth on the despicable meter. He beats his wife, humiliates his "friends" and harasses random strangers. Every time he's on the screen his mouth just keeps rambling and rambling with the most horrible, hateful and crassly put insults, jokes, anecdotes and criticisms. He's also the owner of the restaurant.

His wife, Georgina, sits silently by his side, chided by Albert for her not speaking much but verbally abused when she does open her mouth. She's played with class and grace by the exquisite Helen Mirren. Eventually she and an intelligent soft spoken well-read patron of the restaurant named Michael start exchanging glances, and soon their having a passionate affair between courses in the ladies restroom.

I'd hate to spoil the rest of the film, suffice it to say that what follows is a fascinating, dark, disturbing and beautiful take on the revenge genre, with one of the best final scenes and lines I've seen in a while.