J'accuse is an 'essay-istic' documentary in which Greenaway's fierce criticism of today's visual illiteracy is argued by means of a forensic search of Rembrandt's Nightwatch. Greenaway explains the background, the context, the conspiracy, the murder and the motives of all its 34 painted characters who have conspired to kill for their combined self-advantage. Greenaway leads us through Rembrandt's paintings into 17th century Amsterdam. He paints a world that is democratic in principle, but is almost entirely ruled by twelve families. The notion exists of these regents as charitable and compassionate beings. However, reality was different.
Peter Greenaway
Himself / Public Prosecutor
Martin Freeman
Rembrandt
Eva Birthistle
Saskia
Jodhi May
Geertje
Emily Holmes
Hendrickje
Jonathan Holmes
Ferdinand Bol
Michael Teigen
Carel Fabritius
Natalie Press
Marieke
