Before we get to Peter Greenaway's film, perhaps we should first pose the question: what do you think of when it comes to the Netherlands? There is a good chance that for many people it is Rembrandt, whose painting The Night Watch plays a central role in the film. At least at first glance. Yet through the pretext of the creation of a work of art, Nightwatching develops into a crime story that explores a world where the artist is unwillingly swept along by political and business interests.
When Rembrandt receives a commission to depict the Amsterdam Musketeer Militia, Hungary is still under Turkish occupation. The Netherlands is one of the richest countries of the era, waging war with an ever-changing parade of allies and enemies. It has a strong civic sphere, where there is a desire to win immortality through the artist's paintbrush. The Rembrandt of this film is a successful, wealthy artist, and simultaneously a detective and satirist. The story of the artist and his paint...ing is intertwined with the concept of light and darkness throughout. The film's Dutch cinematographer, Reinier van Brummelen, who worked on several films alongside Peter Greenaway, creates a strikingly unique relationship between light and shade. Most of the scenes take place in what is virtually a theatrical space, plunging into the depths of darkness before the light picks out the characters and details affected by the story. It should be no surprise to know that behind the intricacies of the story there remains a constant, nagging question: who, and what, does the artist serve? In this 17th century civic-based society, it is no longer the ruler, the royal court, who pays the commission, but the citizen. So what does the comissioner get for his money? What is he buying? A unique piece of art? The original artist? Or does he simply desire a pictorial representation of himself - in an idealised form? A mirror that presents an eternally more beautiful/desirable image? It is a question worthy of discussion.
In English, with Hungarian subtitles.
The discussions before and after the screening will be conducted in Hungarian.
This film is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
Presented by: Müpa Budapest
Ticket information
You may purchase tickets online and in person for this performance using a Müpa Budapest gift voucher or by debiting the leisure allowance on OTP, K&H or MKB SZÉP cards.
If you purchase the tickets in person, then we also accept Edenred Gift Vouchers, and Edenred gift cards (Benefit and Family cards) as well as the culture subaccount allowance on OTP Cafeteria cards.
Parking information
We wish to inform you that in the event that Müpa Budapest's underground garage and outdoor car park are operating at full capacity, it is advisable to plan for increased waiting times when you arrive. In order to avoid this, we recommend that you depart for our events in time, so that you you can find the ideal parking spot quickly and smoothly and arrive for our performance in comfort. The Müpa Budapest underground garage gates will be operated by an automatic number plate recognition system. Parking is free of charge for visitors with tickets to any of our paid performances on that given day. The detailed parking policy of Müpa Budapest is available here.
Safe ticket purchase
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