Review of The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989) by Nicholas V — 20 Sep 2007

Now this is not a recommendation to everybody for a number of reasons. You definitely need a strong stomach for this one, if you are easily offended, don't even bother, and if you hate the idea of having to view any full-frontal nudity, then do your best to keep far away.

If you are however one of those who likes to be challenged by just how far the envelope can be pushed, then you will find this film completely rewarding. This British film, directed by the Mad British genius Peter Greenaway, takes place at the Le Hollandais restaurant, an upscale restaurant that is run by Richard Borst, the cook (Richard Bohringer) and Albert Spica, the thief (Michael Gambon).

The cook is soft spoken but no-nonsense, while the thief is a ruthless and selfish man who prefers to abuse his wife Georgina (Helen Mirren). She knows that she is trapped in a horrible marriage and she has no idea of how to get out of it.

That is until one night, she spots Michael (Alan Howard) at a near-by table reading a book. Before either of them know it, they end up making love in the bathroom. Every night after that, while at the restaurant, they end up making love in all sorts of different places, that is until Albert finds out.

He vows revenge, and that revenge stipulates that after he kills him, he'll eat him as well. They hide out until Albert finds out where they are. I will reveal no more from this point because unlike other movies, it does not end traditionally, and the way it ends is not only shocking, but ultimatley satisfying.

Trust me, though, the opening scene alone will either gross you out or it will make you more interested in what's to come. Some moments will just jump out at you, and you'll be even more shocked.

Gambon, who you might remember from both 'Toys' and 'The Life Aquatic', is not only despicable in the role of the Thief, but he gives the best performance of his career in this particular role.

Also be on the look out for Tim Roth in one of his first roles as the Thief's right-hand Mitchell. At times, you feel like you're watching a stage play, as the blocking alone gives the movie another dimension that you don't see in many others.

Please don't think that this is one of my favorite movies because of the full-frontal nudity or the risk-taking it creates. I just happen to think that this movie is highly powerful, and if you really love movies, then I will tell you now that it has to be seen at least once as long as you can handle it.