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
Director

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

Toby Jones
Maternal Instinct71%
Voyeur59%
The Class of ‘9271%
Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story62%
A Plastic Ocean75%
Nail Bomber: Manhunt65%
Fuck64%
Long Shot71%
My Mom Jayne79%
Tricked: The Documentary61%
John Candy: I Like Me78%
Above Majestic73%
Tabloid64%
Louis Theroux: Twilight of the Porn Stars63%
McQueen74%
180° South72%
The Crash69%
The Godfather Family: A Look Inside77%
Directed by John Ford70%
Public Speaking70%