World of Peter Greenaway

With text by filmmaker Greenaway and an analysis of his work by artist Steinmetz, this book's primary strength is its extensive illustration. Trained as a painter, Greenaway refers to himself as ``a painter working in cinema,'' and the exquisite depictions here serve as a testament to the extraordinary visual sensibility at the heart of films such as Prospero's Books and Drowning by Numbers. The movie stills have the depth and texture of great painting; and the paintings reproduced here are also powerful. Greenaway's comments on his art are enlightening, if occasionally enigmatic, allowing readers to perceive connections not readily apparent, as well as showing a personal side to his obsession with classification, as when he discusses his admiration for his father's passion for amateur ornithology. However, Greenaway is poorly served by Steinmetz's commentary, which consists largely of straightforward plot summary rendered in graceless prose. This volume is nevertheless a valuable and beautiful tribute to the world of Peter Greenaway. (Oct.)