Directed by Peter Webber, starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth, Girl with a Pearl Earring is quite a quiet but striking film based on the novel by Tracy Chevalier. By quiet I mean that it is not a movie bursting with conversation, but more focuses on the subtlety of body language and interaction. Whilst I was watching the film I felt that what I could understand from the characters' expressions and the eye contact made between the actors said much more than the words spoken.
The movie tells the story of the artist Vermeer (Firth), and the maid to his household, Griet (Johansson), and the interest he shows in her as well as her deep interest and understanding of his work. Although quiet, the film holds much tension, as we can tell that there is a connection between Griet and Vermeer, but of course nothing ever happens between them. Griet helps Vermeer mix his paints, and as the film goes on he makes more and more excuses for her to spend most of her time working in his studio. Pieter Van Ruijven takes an interest in Griet, and commissions Vermeer to paint a portrait of her for him. This is when the film holds the greatest tension as Vermeer's wife becomes very jealous, and Vermeer and Griet become more intimate as he paints her. As the film's tagline describes, "She gave him a look that would last forever.."
The film was nominated for 3 Oscars and won numerous awards. The story is a lovely take on how such a striking and beautiful painting came about, and the film, like the painting, is a masterpiece.
2 comments:
Love this film! Scarlett Johansson is perfect for the role; she looks so similar to the original painting it really brings the story to life. You're right that the interaction between the characters and the subtleties of their relationships are the most interesting thing about the film, and make it compelling viewing. Sensitively dealt with, it really captures the atmosphere of 17th century Netherlands and this amazing artist's temperament.
I know she does look so similar doesn't she, she's got such amazing porcelain skin as well it's perfect for the character.
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