Year: 1990
Runtime: 124 min
Language: English
Director: Peter Greenaway
Within the refined world of London's high society and exquisite dining, Albert Spica’s boorish behavior disrupts the elegant atmosphere of a prestigious French restaurant. His wife, Georgina, feigns indifference to his actions while secretly harboring desires she pursues with a quiet lover. When Albert discovers their affair, his reaction escalates into a brutal and destructive act of revenge, endangering everyone involved and shattering the fragile veneer of sophistication.
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In the polished corridors of London’s elite dining scene, an opulent French restaurant becomes the unlikely stage for a clash of worlds. The establishment, famed for its immaculate service and carefully curated cuisine, draws the city’s most discerning patrons, who seek refuge in its luxurious ambience. Beneath the polished silverware and hushed conversations, a palpable tension simmers, hinting that the veneer of sophistication may be more fragile than it appears.
Albert Spica, a charismatic yet uncouth figure from the city’s underbelly, has taken an unusual interest in the restaurant, imposing his brash presence upon the delicate atmosphere. His entourage’s loud laughter and blatant disregard for etiquette disrupt the harmony, creating a stark juxtaposition between raw power and refined decorum. The staff, led by a meticulous chef, must continuously navigate his unpredictable demands while striving to preserve the establishment’s reputation.
Georgina, Spica’s striking and enigmatic wife, moves through the dining room with an air of elegance that belies the constraints of her marriage. While outwardly appearing to tolerate her husband’s antics, she harbors a quiet yearning for something beyond the gilded cage of their public life. Her subtle glances and discreet conversations with a modest regular hint at a hidden world of intimacy that flourishes in the shadows of the bustling restaurant.
The film unfolds as a study of desire, control, and the delicate dance between public spectacle and private longing. Its visual palette is lush and extravagant, saturated with rich colors, theatrical lighting, and sumptuous tablescapes that invite the viewer to linger over every detail. A haunting, orchestral score weaves through the scenes, underscoring the simmering unease that lies just beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect tableau, promising that the true story is whispered in the spaces between plates and polite conversation.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:37
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The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1990) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1990) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
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