I’ve mentioned the films of Peter Greenaway here on occasion, but I don’t get much response on that topic, which is a shame because I’d really like people to experience his films. Greenaway is one of those filmmakers who pretty much never gets mentioned in “best of” lists of films, even ones focused on obscure artsy films. He sort of exists in a liminal space between fame and obscurity, where his films do well enough that I occasionally find the more successful ones in thrift DVD aisles, while others I’ve had to hunt down on region-locked DVDs from out-of-country. It’s a real mix, but I’ve got almost a complete collection (so far – Greenaway is *still* making films in his 80’s).
Anyway, This short introduction to Greenaway’s films and film making philosophy popped up on my Youtube feed today, and I thought it was a nice introduction to his work if you’re curious. It primarily talks about “The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover”*, but delves a bit into his other films to compare and contrast how certain themes are expressed in Greenaway’s filmography. It’s short, but gives a very good overview of his work. I recommend it! (:
When the Director Happens to Be a Painter
Watch for a few typewriter sightings from Greenaway’s films, including a short demonstration of someone using a Japanese typewriter!
“Just a cup full of sugar makes the escapement seize up, the escapement seize up, the escapement seize up…” (imagine as sung by Julie Andrews for proper effect) 
Gotta catch ’em all! :D 
* I should note that you prolly ought not start your journey into Greenaway’s films with “Cook/Thief/Wife/Lover” unless you’re into bursts of stylized, visceral violence, baroque cruelty and rotting flesh. Imagine Rembrandt crossed with Tarantino – it gets intense. I was introduced to Greenaway through catching “Prospero’s Books“ on scrambled cable late night in the 90’s, and that film is a great place to start if you like Shakespeare. “Drowning by Numbers“ is a very fun one, as is “The Pillow Book“. Are you a fan of Lynch, Cronenberg and timelapse photography? Try out “A Zed and Two Noughts“. There’s a lot of variety in Greenaway’s filmography, but all of it is a treat to the eye. (: