The Belly of an Architect (1987)

Purely Joyful Movie!

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

It is a crying shame that not many amusing films about human anatomy have been made.British film "Belly of an architect" fills this artistic vacuum by being an outstanding film about architecture,belly and infidelity.In some ways,British cinema author Peter Greenaway must be hailed as a genius director especially for the manner in which he has linked a part of human body with a creative art.His film is a vivid description of an artist's progressive descent into hell.This is one of the most important parts played by American actor Brian Dennehy.While watching this film,it can be surmised that some of the viewers would surely be tempted to link hypochondria with an artist's descent into hell.However, dedicated viewers would be surprised to learn that Hypochondria is not this film's main theme.This is a film about boredom,infidelity and general nature of uselessness.This is a film to watch if one wishes to explore richness of British cinema especially films directed by Peter Greenaway.There is really good photography by veteran French DOP Sacha Vierney.Peter Greenaway has also shown some good views of Rome.This might help viewers to ascertain how Italians view art and American people.From a bored housewife's point this is a film in which no one opts for a direct killing.This is the reasons why strange conditions are created in such a manner that people automatically get frustrated and decide to kill themselves.

Being a student of structural design with a burgeoning paunch, I was keen to view the contents of said title. I was more than a little dismayed by the distinct lack of instructional fitness. Though initially compelled by the sight of the protagonist's mid section, the massive divergence from an physical improvement within the plot left me wanting. I did gain an insight into the transformation of artistic endeavor into obsession and finally paranoia but quite frankly my dear, I don't give a damn. I can only hope that Russell Simmonds did not suffer the same fate as yours truly. Having said this, my expectations were perhaps slightly askew. Peter Greenaway may not hold the same principals as this tragic hero.

One of my favorite Greenaway films. Story, visuals, metaphor, acting, music...it's got it all. The visuals of Rome are stunning. Wim Mertens' musical accompaniment is brilliant and on par with any modern minimalist composition. After years of seeing his TV roles, I was completely floored by the depth and authenticity Brian Dennehey brought to the main character. I've watched this film at least a dozen times over the years and enjoy it thoroughly each time. Unlike a previous reviewer, I don't see the need to judge this film based on how much it resembles previous or subsequent Greenaway films. "Belly of An Architect" is not as abstract as some of the other Greenaway films, but that shouldn't be viewed as a negative. The film is great and rich in its own right. I highly recommend it.

An Architect and his wife find themselves in Ancient Rome 1987! The Architect's life, (played brilliantly by Dennehy), falls apart by his obsession with a cancer stricken stomach. May sound like turgid stuff but Greenaway keeps it fascinating.