Rembrandt's J'Accuse...! Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Rembrandt's J'Accuse...!?

J'accuse is an 'essay-istic' documentary in which Greenaway's fierce criticism of today's visual illiteracy is argued by means of a forensic search of Rembrandt's Nightwatch. Greenaway explains the background, the context, the conspiracy, the murder and the motives of all its 34 painted characters who have conspired to kill for their combined self-advantage. Greenaway leads us through Rembrandt's paintings into 17th century Amsterdam. He paints a world that is democratic in principle, but is almost entirely ruled by twelve families. The notion exists of these regents as charitable and compassionate beings. However, reality was different.

Peter Greenaway's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Peter Greenaway (Himself / Public Prosecutor)'s journey. Greenaway explains the background, the context, the conspiracy, the murder and the motives of all its 34 painted characters who have conspired to kill for their combined self-advantage.

How Does Peter Greenaway (Himself / Public Prosecutor)'s Story End?

• Peter Greenaway: Peter Greenaway's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Martin Freeman (Rembrandt): Martin Freeman's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Eva Birthistle (Saskia): Eva Birthistle's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Rembrandt's J'Accuse...! Mean?

Rembrandt's J'Accuse...!'s ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Peter Greenaway may feel rushed. Peter Greenaway's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.