Review of The Pillow Book

Over the years, since the theatrical release, of this I have had the film on various formats but never until now watched. Whilst it must have looked wonderful on the big screen, I am so glad I delayed watching it until Blu-ray which has at least given me a chance to appreciate the full effect of of the design and colour. Nevertheless this is more than a little, style over substance, and a little goes a very long way. If you have any interest in Calligraphy this is quite an insight with marvellous examples both of the art and materials of China and Japan. There is also a lot of nakedness but perhaps Greenaway could have been more selective in his models. Here, Ewan McGregor looks unhappy and awfully uncharismatic throughout and as a centrepiece this is most unfortunate. The director's obsession with numbers is once again very much in evidence and I cannot be the only one for whom constant countdowns do not help when the film already seems too long for its subject.