Movies & Shows Similar to The Draughtsman’s Contract

Description: A masterclass in visual storytelling with a focus on the opulence and hypocrisy of the aristocracy. The film's slow, deliberate pacing and use of natural lighting evoke a painterly aesthetic, reminiscent of the reference film's style.

Fact: Stanley Kubrick used specially adapted NASA lenses to film scenes by candlelight, creating a unique and historically accurate visual effect.

Description: A tale of jealousy and artistic rivalry set against the backdrop of 18th-century aristocracy. The film's lush cinematography and exploration of the tension between genius and mediocrity align closely with the themes and visual style of the reference film.

Fact: The movie was shot in Prague, using many of the same locations where Mozart actually lived and performed.

Description: A cunning exploration of manipulation and deceit among the upper classes, delivered with razor-sharp dialogue and sumptuous period detail. The film's focus on the games people play for power and pleasure echoes the reference film's themes.

Fact: The story was originally an epistolary novel written in 1782, and it has been adapted numerous times for stage and screen.

Description: A visually sumptuous period piece that explores themes of gender, identity, and power through a satirical lens, much like the reference film. Its meticulous attention to costume and set design creates a similarly immersive historical atmosphere.

Fact: The film is based on Virginia Woolf's novel of the same name, and it spans over 400 years of history while following the protagonist's transformation from man to woman.

Description: A satirical yet poignant look at the fragility of power and the eccentricities of royalty. The film's blend of humor and drama, along with its opulent settings, mirrors the tone and style of the reference film.

Fact: The movie was adapted from a stage play, which itself was based on historical accounts of King George III's illness.

Description: A decadent portrayal of 17th-century England, filled with morally ambiguous characters and a critique of societal norms. The film's dark humor and lavish production design create a similar atmosphere to the reference film.

Fact: Johnny Depp prepared for his role by studying the works of the real-life John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, on whom the film is based.

Description: A visually stunning drama about a woman trapped in a loveless marriage within the confines of high society. The film's exploration of gender roles and its meticulous recreation of the period align with the reference film's themes and aesthetic.

Fact: Keira Knightley's costumes in the film were based on actual portraits of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire.

Description: A gripping historical drama about political intrigue and forbidden love in a royal court. The film's attention to period detail and its exploration of Enlightenment ideals resonate with the themes and visual richness of the reference film.

Fact: The story is based on the real-life affair between Queen Caroline Mathilde of Denmark and the royal physician Johann Friedrich Struensee.

Description: A darkly comedic take on power struggles within a royal court, featuring sharp dialogue and intricate plotting. The film's lavish production design and eccentric characters mirror the reference film's blend of wit and visual splendor.

Fact: The script was inspired by real historical figures, but the filmmakers took significant liberties with the facts to enhance the dramatic and comedic elements.