While watching a play on stage concerning the events around a "miraculous" birth, the pretend story begins to become real, however the audience isn't always aware of whats real and whats not leading to some tragic consequences.Hated by many, loved by others this is a tough film to watch. Most people will point to the rape that happens late in the film as an endurance test, others will point to some of the other nasty acts. I find the film hard to take because all of the characters are basically hateful. I don't think there is anyone we truly like anywhere in the film. To be certain we feel for some more than others, but everyone has an edge that keeps us distant. I like the film on many levels simply because the film provokes strong reactions and makes you think about what you are seeing.To be honest the film isn't perfect, as I said the film isn't filled with likable people, and the film also suffers in that one of its key points, that we as an audience sometimes take what we perceive to be entertainment too lightly, has been picked up and done almost to death thanks to reality shows, subsequent movies and just a casual looking at the media. That said the film still is a kick in the pants thanks to Greenaway's wizardry at putting the story on screen.Not for the squeamish or those upset by nasty acts including a never ending rape, this is worth a look for those who want to be challenged as to how we see the world.

Be warned, this is a Peter Greenaway film and may cause offence. The incredibly moral plot with its littering of fable and allegory make the script enchanting and involving, and leave plenty of room for an in-depth analysis.The soundtrack is haunting and appropriate, and the set is marvellous. The story is told as a "play within a play" and the theatre-like set is used to its utmost. There is a strange violence created from darting between the characters of the theatre being portrayed and the actual actors. The rape scene is the most effective use of this tactic, which is by far the most horrifically violent scene of its nature I have seen in any film. The audience is left shocked and silent.Every intricate detail of this story is sewn together beautifully and the many plots and ideas collide at the end to form a brilliant Greenaway masterpiece.A must see for Greenaway enthusiasts, but beware - this film is an acquired taste and may not sit well with your average moviegoer.

Well, "The Baby of Macon" is surely no Disney trip to the sea, but thank God for that. Compared to other Greenaway movies such as "The cook, the thief...", "Prosperos Books" and the other paintings come to life-classics, this one is the most terrifying an uncompromising flick you ever will lay your eyes upon, and it does not contain any of the minimalistic (senil) music of Michael Nyman, but serves a fantastic blend of true renaissance melodies. Key themes from Monteverdis "Orfeo" fits Greenaways vision perfectly. And the movie is great in all its complex aspects. The smart mixture of fictional levels, questioning who are the viewers and who are the actors, manages weirdly enough to state a deep impression.

I saw this movie on late night television and that could explain my confusion but I do not believe that I could have understood this movie if the writer were sitting next to me explaining it as it went a long. I have no comprehension of the ending.