🎬 The Premise
Released in 2012, Goltzius & the Pelican Company enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on
Goltzius and the Pelican Company tells the story of Hendrik Goltzius, a late 16th century Dutch printer and engraver of erotic prints.
Under the direction of Peter Greenaway, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from F. Murray Abraham, Ramsey Nasr, Kate Moran.
While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
🎥 Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Goltzius & the Pelican Company offers a
competent presentation. The cinematography
uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone.
While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 128-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Goltzius & the Pelican Company resonates with current
cultural themes in the Comedy space.
It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, Goltzius & the Pelican Company is available in theaters worldwide.
For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Goltzius & the Pelican Company centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape.
Goltzius and the Pelican Company tells the story of Hendrik Goltzius, a late 16th century Dutch printer and engraver of erotic prints. A contemporary of Rembrandt and, indeed, more celebrated during his life, Goltzius seduces the Margrave of Alsace into paying for a printing press to make and publish illustrated books. In return, he promises him an extraordinary book of pictures of illustrating the Old Testament’s biblical stories. Erotic tales of Lot and his daughters, David and Bathsheba, Samson and Deliah and John the Baptist and Salome. To tempt the Margrave further, Goltzius and his printing company will offer to perform dramatisations of these erotic stories for his court.
The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2012 cinema will find fairly predictable.
💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Goltzius & the Pelican Company has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the
ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread.
Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Goltzius & the Pelican Company sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
📝 Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Goltzius & the Pelican Company (2012): with an audience rating of 6.1/10, the reception has been divisive.
It is a recommended for fans of Comedy, History cinema who appreciate attention to detail.