The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Watch The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

"Lust...Murder...Dessert. Bon Appetit!"
  • NC-17
  • 1989
  • 2 hr 4 min
  • 7.5  (41,343)
  • 62

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is a dark, twisted, and visually stunning drama from the mind of director Peter Greenaway. This 1989 film follows the exploits of a group of characters whose lives intertwine around a single location - a gourmet restaurant owned by a violent and abusive gangster named Albert Spica (Michael Gambon). The story takes place almost entirely within the confines of the restaurant, which is expertly designed to reflect the changing moods and emotions of the film's protagonists.

At the center of the story is the cook (Richard Bohringer), a talented chef who must work under the constant threat of Spica's wrath. The cook is a quiet, brooding figure who is respected by his staff and feared by his boss. His only joy in life seems to come from the food he prepares, which is depicted in mouthwatering detail throughout the film.

The thief (Alan Howard) is Spica's right-hand man, a sleazy and vicious criminal who enjoys lording his power over the other patrons of the restaurant. He is constantly harassing the cook and his staff, and takes pleasure in belittling those around him.

Spica's wife (Helen Mirren) is a quiet, demure figure who is seemingly trapped in her marriage to the gangster. She is constantly subjected to his abuse, and seems resigned to a life of misery and subservience. However, when she begins a torrid affair with a bookstore owner (Alan Armstrong), she finds renewed purpose and hope.

The lovers' storyline is one of the central threads in The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, and it provides the film with its most compelling moments. Mirren gives a stunning performance as a woman who is pushed to the brink of despair, and Armstrong is equally impressive as her unlikely savior.

The film is visually stunning, with every frame filled with vibrant colors, elaborate sets, and inventive camera work. Greenaway's direction is meticulous and precise, and every aspect of the film - from the costumes to the music to the lighting - is carefully crafted to reflect the director's singular vision.

At its core, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is a meditation on power, violence, and the human need for love and connection. It is a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Overall, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is a masterpiece of world cinema that deserves to be seen by anyone with an interest in bold, thought-provoking filmmaking. With a powerhouse cast, stunning visuals, and a richly layered script, it remains one of the most unforgettable films of the 1980s.

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover
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Description
  • Release Date
    1989
  • MPAA Rating
    NC-17
  • Runtime
    2 hr 4 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (41,343)
  • Metascore
    62
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