The Greenaway Alphabet

The Greenaway Alphabet (2017) is a fascinating documentary film that offers a profoundly intimate glimpse into the life and mind of the renowned auteur, Peter Greenaway. Directed by Saskia Boddeke and co-starring Greenaway and his daughter Pip, the film is an intimate and unusual exploration of Greenaway's manifold inspirations and obsessions, through a creative approach based on the eponymous "Alphabet."

The film draws its inspiration from the15th-century Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch’s triptych, The Garden of Earthly Delights, a work that Peter Greenaway has used as a source of inspiration in numerous films throughout his illustrious career. Against the backdrop of these fantastic landscapes, Greenaway and his daughter Pip engage in a frank and often playful dialogue. They navigate their way through the alphabet from 'A' to 'Z', with each letter representing a word, a story, or a memory that is of significant personal meaning to Greenaway. Pip Greenaway amplifies the conversation with her thoughtful and sometimes challenging questions, revealing her clear understanding of her father’s artistic philosophy.

Director Saskia Boddeke's artistic dexterity surfaces in her unique narrative approach where the transcripts of these conversations serve as the creative foundation, which is then augmented with a rich visual tapestry of imagery, excerpts from Greenaway's own films, archival footage, and animations. Additionally, our view of the artists’ universe is expanded thanks to the intellectual exchanges between the father-daughter duo that goes beyond familial ties and delves into thought-provoking discussions on life, art, death, filmmakers, film techniques, and philosophy, among other subjects.

Boddeke's innovative direction draws the audience into a personal labyrinth that is both intellectually stimulating and visually captivating. From his thoughts on modern cinema and its naysayers to his personal experiences and musings on life and mortality, Peter Greenaway engages and challenges viewers through his dissection of each element of his personal alphabet. The uniquely personal conversation reveals much about both the father - not only as an illustrious figure of modern cinema but also as a human, father, and artist - and the daughter, whose perspective adds depth to the exploratory narrative.

Beyond merely providing an artistic commentary, The Greenaway Alphabet acts as a biographic exploration of Peter Greenaway, the man and the filmmaker. We view Greenaway through a different lens, seeing beyond the director’s vision and reaching into a candid conversation with the artists, probing into his ideologies, motivations, and inspirations. His dialogue with Pip serves to open up his artistic views and personal leanings while adding plenty of warmth and humor via their familial relationship.

Peter Greenaway's powerful and unique oratory is one of the strongest elements in the film, leading viewers on a journey through his imaginative world where art and reality intertwine and overlap. In contrast, Pip's innocent curiosity and intelligent responses add an insightful dimension to the interactions. Her distinctive dynamic with her father leads to a level of openness and vulnerability that is often unseen in such figures of Greenaway's stature in the world of cinema.

As a visual artist and filmmaker, Boddeke brings in her unique directorial touch. Instead of opting for a simple, linear documentary format, she opts for an experimental and avant-garde approach that is engaging, fun, and thought-provoking, much like the subject of her film. The film is stylized in a way that keeps it visually captivating, with imaginative backdrops and creative displays that add a layer of depth and nuance to the conversations.

The Greenaway Alphabet is not just for fans of Peter Greenaway, though they will certainly derive a lot of enjoyment out of it. It’s a unique piece of filmmaking that offers a captivating peek into the world of an iconic artist. Yet, it does so in a manner that is relatable and accessible even to those unfamiliar with Greenaway’s work. However, its rich content ensures that it has plenty to offer hardcore cinephiles and art enthusiasts, making it a genuinely versatile documentary film.