Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-24 19:58:11

A superb and major artwork!

It's difficult for me to be totally objective due the fact I have been all my life a hard fan of Vermeer. Her absolute domain of the color harmonies, the sharp contrast between the light cascades and his total domain of the fugue point is absolute. The film focuses around the simple but powerful anecdote , how this picture was done. Scarlett Johansson shines with her fantastic performance. Colin Firth is impressive too as the Delft ' s genius, but Tom Wilkinson is outstanding and deserves all the best comments. The illumination was made following the pictorial patterns, elegant, mysterious, enigmatic and sensual, a true visual feast, that complements a very artistic film.

TC Candler 2012-05-24 08:43:43

"Things not said, opportunities not taken, potentials not realized, lips unkissed."

"'Girl With a Pearl Earring' is a quiet movie, shaken from time to time byripples of emotional turbulence far beneath the surface. It is about thingsnot said, opportunities not taken, potentials not realized, lips unkissed."- R. Ebert***Those expecting a biopic of Johannes Vermeer, the Dutch master painter fromthe middle of the seventeenth century, will be left wanting. Rather, 'TheGirl with the Pearl Earring' starts with arguably his most famous paintingand works backwards, through conjecture, to decipher who the subject of thepainting may have been. Some have claimed it was one of his daughters orperhaps a neighbor. This film poses the possibility that she may have beena member of his family's housekeeping staff. The famous painting is one of the most intriguing ever created. There is astillness, a peace and a wistfulness to it that makes it hard to turn awayfrom. The film plays in much the same way.Griet (Scarlett Johansson) is sent to work in Vermeer's household as a maid. In the 1600's, being a maid was tantamount to slavery. Every waking momentwas spent devoted to cleaning and cooking for the master and mistress of thehouse. When Griet first arrives, her sleeping quarters are in the basementalong with the mice. Her days are spent catering to every whim of Vermeer'semotionally unstable wife. But Griet knows her place and is grateful tohave a placement in such a household. She goes about her business quietly.One of her assignments is to clean Vermeer's art studio in which she is toldto disturb absolutely nothing. Soon, however, Vermeer (Colin Firth) noticesher taking interest in some of his paintings. He sees that she has an eyefor art, and it intrigues him to such an end that he feels the urge to talkwith her about it. Speaking casually to the help is clearly not an acceptedpractice, but he finds in her someone who 'gets' it. Goodness knows hiswife doesn't.In many other movies, Vermeer and Griet would flirt romantically until thethrows of passion took over. But this film restrains itself from suchtrivialities. Here they speak politely of colors and light without evertruly admitting any attraction to one another. She even helps with one ofhis paintings and he accepts her idea without hesitation.There are subplots that include an art patron who commissions work fromVermeer, a child who treats Griet poorly every chance she gets, and abutcher's son who falls in love with Griet. But this film focuses on theunspoken relationship between Griet and Vermeer which eventually leads tohis painting a portrait of her with one of his wife's pearlearrings.Colin Firth plays the Dutch master as a bitter man who is trapped paintingcommissioned art for money rather than being free to paint what he wishes. He is weighed down by an emotionally volcanic wife who doesn't trust Griet'spresence in the house. There is a loneliness to this man despite his largefamily and undeniable talent. Firth's performance is measured andinternal... it is a very subtle role.The subtlety is even more true of Scarlett Johansson's Griet. This is alargely silent performance played with almost imperceptible facial movementsand glances of the eyes. She is magnificent here and deserves Oscarrecognition. Coupled with her masterful turn in 'Lost in Translation',Johansson has established herself as one of the very best young actresses ofthis generation.Peter Webber's film is a quietly entrancing one with great acting, gorgeouscinematography, a lovely score, and a wistful story of unspoken lust andlove. I highly recommend the film, not as a Vermeer biopic but as ahypothetical romance that adds even more intrigue to an already beautifulpainting. TC Candler - Critical Mass Movies

2012-05-22 03:58:56

Excellent

I remember coming across a picture of the famous painting of a Dutch girl with a pearl earring. I didn't know the story behind the painting. Like the Red Violin, this film gives you an appreciation for the object of art by going behind the scenes to its origins. The set and costumes are appropriate for the period, similar to the paintings of the times in color and tone. The acting by Scarlet Johansson as the Dutch servant girl who becomes the muse to Colin Firth's artist is subtle, but powerful. Not much is said between the two actors, but you can feel everything their characters are feeling. I must admit I have not read the book so I wouldn't know how true it is to the book. However, for a film, this is a treat.

2012-05-21 12:20:12

Impossible to take your eyes of the screen

Have you read the book? Then watch the movie. Have you watched the movie? Then read the book. They complement each other. Tracy Chevalier's story is greatly transported to the big screen by director Peter Webber. But that's not what's best about "Girl with a pearl earring".Like Leonardo's Mona Lisa, nobody is sure about who was Jan Vermeer's model for his most famous portrait. Tracy Chevalier's story took care of that. The book is very enjoyable, leaving the reader's imagination work free, but when you're reading about Vermeer, and his paintings are an important part of the plot, you feel something is missing. And this "something" are concrete visions of his fantastic works. Some of them were displayed in the movie. But Peter Webber went further, and, with help of Director of Cinematography Eduardo Serra, transformed the whole movie in a Vermeer painting. There evidently is an enormous care taken concerning historic portrayal. Watching the movie, the viewer feels he's in 17th century Delft. The supporting cast is great in the sense that it helps creating the ancient atmosphere. For example, the maid Tanneke (who was the model for Vermeer's "Milkmaid") is played by Joanna Scanlan, who really looks (at least in the movie) like a dutch maid from 350 years ago. The figure, the scenery, the chosen colors, all great. Many of the frames are purposedly created to resemble Vermeer's paintings: the light, the objects, the gestures of the people. Sometimes, during the movie, I caught myself with a hanging jaw, truly emotioned by the beauty of the scenes.All this bonded together by the simple soundscore, present always at the right moments, and by rising star Scarlett Johanson's acting: strong, objective, believable. She's the center of the movie, and rightly so. "Girl with a pearl earring" is one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen. Grade 9.0/10

Tim Johnson 2012-05-21 07:35:27

Perhaps the best cinematography I've ever seen!

This is a movie that is outstanding in all respects but whose visual impactis beyond my poor ability to summon words worthy of comment. Within briefminutes of watching the screen one realizes that, forgive my poor illusion,you are living within a Vermeer painting-the shading, the matchlessphotographic toning and the remarkable closeups accentuating the beauty ofthe muted interiors is breathtaking. 95% of the movie are interior shots sothis feeling of existing within a Vermeer painting is overwhelming-unlikeany movie I've ever experienced. Edurdo Serra's camera work must be seenand as a complement to Peter Weber's shot selection the visual package istoo good to miss.The script was likewise magnificent but I saw the story rather differentlythan my wife who saw a gender story whereas I saw aMarxist story about classism between the workers and those that employedthem. Seeing a 17th century film is rare so the confrontation with thosebourgeois attitudes is extremely difficult. I congratulate all concernedwith presenting such a confrontational script in today's world where suchthings are covered and kept unseen.

2012-05-20 19:45:51

Sumptuous Feast!

Scarlett Johanssen seemed to be fond of subtle love story or forbidden love story. I have had enjoyed Lost in Translation and I was a bit perplexed when my friends commented to me that this movie was damn slow. This movie is in a way arty movie. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I would rather this movie be seen in a manner where we got to absorb the backgrounds, the society of Vermeer's time. DVD was a more worthy tool to watch this movie as we were able to know the dedication of the crew in filming this movie in extreme temperature (minus 15 Celsius) just to be faithful to the book, the time and effort spent in producing close to accurate portrayal of Vermeer's time, how to bring the fictitious book constructively into the movie setting. Performance from all parties were top-notch and through research, it's now been said that it's more probable that the girl with the pearl ear ring could be Vermeer's own daughter as he relished his time painting domestic scenes. Still, credit still went to the author for having such a credible fictitious mind to suggest quite a domestic thriller that was captivating to watch as much as to learn about Vermeer's world in the 17th century. For art's enthusiasts, this is something that you shouldn't miss. It's quite incredible to watch this movie, really.

2012-05-19 01:33:33

art history lite

(...)I'm so glad I was able to see this during its run in theatres.I read the book (actually, I listened to the unabridged audiobook...twice) before seeing the movie and I'm so glad I did; otherwise, I fear I may have been a bit disappointed with the movie. Because I LOVE the book so much and b/c the movie is so beautiful and well-acted (Scarlett Johansson is brilliant as usual and Colin Firth can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned), I am able to forgive its flaws. It sickens me to think that Kate Hudson was originally cast to play the part of Griet in this movie - that would have been an absolute travesty.[Warning: details of the book are given away here. Only read this paragraph if you have already read the book or if you don't plan to.] Here are my complaints - which for the most part involve deviations from the book that I did not care for: 1) Griet & Vermeer should first meet during the vegetable-cutting scene; 2) Maria Thins is rather mean in the movie - in the book she is sometimes harsh, but overall I think she liked Griet; 3) I know it's necessary to cut out characters and subplots in order to make this book into a 90-something minute movie, but I wish the van Leeuwenhoek character would have been included - especially the scene where he tells Griet to remain true to herself; 4) The major disappointmet was the ending - she just runs home and Tanneke brings her the earrings?? Ugh!! The ending in the book (specifically, how she comes to receive the pearls) is much better and more emotional.

2012-05-18 11:23:31

Defective discs 2 out of 2

I received two copies of this DVD, one from Amazon and one from a different source. both DVDs had the same problem.About 10 minutes into the movie the picels started breaking up and a little while later, the movie just froze. Tried it on different players and computers and still no joy.Had to get refunds on both.Must be a manufacturing glitch.

2012-05-16 01:09:21

As simple and beautiful as the book

What a joy it was to watch this movie. It always amazes me how good a movie can be with so little dialog spoken. A good actor can speak volumes with just a glance and these actors did just that. I have always loved Flemish paintings for their simplicity and the use of light. This movie was just like watching a painting. Make sure you read the book and see this very beautiful movie. Well done!

moonspinner55 2012-05-15 20:47:24

Not without flaws, but beautifully presented

Wide-eyed, hard-working young woman in Holland circa 1665 leaves homefor a job as scullery maid to a painter and his family; quickly, shebecomes the artist's secret assistant and muse, eventually posing forVermeer's famous title-named portrait. Stunning art direction, livelypacing and an absorbing narrative all make up for a few keyperformances which seem too modern, and minor instances where theediting isn't as sharp as one might hope. The maid's many entrances andexits are repetitive, but Scarlett Johansson proves to be a veryintuitive actress who excels in a role with very little dialogue. Quitegood overall, with a finale that smartly leaves the breathless viewerwondering...asking...wanting more. ***1/2 from ****

2012-05-09 13:54:44

Understated Excellence - Colin Firth is magnificent

The painting upon which this story is based is very beautiful. AlthoughI would describe this movie as being somewhat reserved (perhaps toomuch so for many), my interest was captured and held throughout theperformance. The tension that evolves as the artist Johannes Vandermeerand the housemaid experience a deep connection that so desperatelywants to, but never can become passionate love, is made palpablebecause of the clear chemistry created between Colin Firth and ScarletJohannsen in their respective roles. Scarlett Johannsen does anexcellent job, but from my perspective it is clear that Colin Firth isthe main reason this picture is so successful despite a format that canso easily become boring. His was a masterful performance. He played hischaracter in such a way that few could have done; with a broodingpassion that is simmering but always controlled beneath the surface. Idon't know if he won an academy award for this, but he certainlydeserved to.

tjackson 2012-05-08 18:18:40

Gorgeous cinematography with the rich colors and textures of Vermeer

This movie really is the equivalent of watching a Vermeer painting dry –which is to say that it's a bit slow, but well worth the trip. In fact, ifthe pace were quicker it wouldn't allow us to take in both the carefully litcompositions and to immerse ourselves in this intricately detailed world of15th century Dutch interiors. The story concerns Griet, played by Scarlett Johansson, whose father is atile maker who has become blind. From necessity she is sent off to work as amaid to the Vermeer family where she goes from cleaning the painter'sstudio, to crushing his pigments, to eventually providing inspiration forthe splendid painting of the title. Johansson's performance is a littlepassive for a character of the intelligence and will of Griet. On the otherhand, her understated performance, artful poses, and luminescent beauty doesallow us is a chance to meditate on what we're seeing, just as one mightread a Vermeer. Of his relatively small body of work there is not muchknown. Vermeer paintings are stories, often of working people in Dutchsociety, a world vastly different from those existing in Italy or France. Vermeer's paintings are ‘read' much the way one ‘reads' into the intentionsand motivations of Johansson's characterization of Griet. This minimalacting is used wisely in film in that the audience does much of the workimagining the character they see. No doubt this restrained approach is thereason she has been nominated for a Golden Globe award.The film offers plenty of carefully placed details that illuminate the timeand society. And illuminate it does, with some gorgeous cinematography shotin beautiful chiaroscuros, and the rich colors and textures of Vermeer. Iread the book just after seeing the film. The book is OK, not great. As awork of cinematic art, the film is easily equal to the book. In the novel,the writing is simple and plain, and we get an imagined sense of Vermeer'sworld. The film's direction and cinematography allow us to feast on gorgeouscompositions while allowing us the similar privileged glimpse of Vermeer'stime.

2012-05-05 02:00:24

A softspoken, beautiful masterpiece

What seems like another movie, where nothing really happens, this is a gem in the sea of unappetizing costume movies, with harsh fake lighting and CG effects.We see the Vermeer family through the eyes of Griet, played by Johansson. The doe eyed pale girl, hardly speaks yet conveys so much emotion. Her purity stands out in this role, she is labored by hard chores, a woman hungry patron, who's interested in her (he commissions the painting, of which this movie takes title of) Vermeer's jealous wife, and her relationship with the young man, who's a butcher.What made this movie spectacular, was the crisp, organic, and sometimes muddy when needed cinematography. The lighting, costumes, interiors, looked so appropriate, not fake or harsh, with everyone moving and speaking just so, that I felt as if I was watching a real life scene form 1600's! That is rare in today's Hollywood blockbusters.I'll recommend this quiet, beautiful movie to anyone who likes to look at enchanting things.

2012-05-04 17:43:25

truly an art film

How can a movie about the creation of art pieces not be an artfilm?So it's an art movie, granted. It's just that from my perspective it wasalso boring one. One thing is I don't generally like historical movies. Theyare too prim and trivial to my liking. This holds true for Girl with a PearlEarring. The whole plot is actually quite dim and nothing really happensthere.Another thing is the editing is pretty choppy. The images are often justconcatenated without real succession and some shots are in my opinioncompletely amiss. And as much as I can appreciate minimalism, this piecereally left only one impression on me - Scarlett Johansson. Not that shegave some extra polished performance - she had never a space for it - but atleast she perfectly fitted into her role as you would see if you watched themovie till the end.All in all Girl with a Pearl Earring is an average achievement,5/10

Peegee-3 2012-05-03 05:20:27

Film as an art form beyond story=telling

Film is a visual form of expression...but rarely treated as such. Girl WithA Pearl Earring makes the cut. It's beauty not only dazzles the eye, ittouches the soul as a true work of art does.Based on the Tracey Chevalier novel, the film has been made selectively,focusing on the main elements of Vermeer's household maid and hisrelationship to her...and to the crass appetites of his patron. PeterWebber directed this work with the sensibility of a poet...and chose EduardoSerra tocreate the cinematography with the eye of an artist. Colin Firth as Vermeer, a dedicated painter with a perfectionistic sense ofart as a transcendant medium, brings to the role an intensity, a sensualityin his artfully subtlefacial expressions. Dialogue is kept to a minimum. The director realizedthat more can be said in small gestures, in a look than in a volume ofwords. Scarlet Johansen, certainly the primary player, as Griet, thehousemaid with an innate understanding of art's value, creates an amazinglymature portrayal of the character. This is a young actress of enormoustalent. The images of this film have stayed with me with a haunting quality... theymove and stir with their color, their changes in shadowed light...the waygreat music lifts beyond the interpretative constrictions of the mind. Ifyou're open to a rare and stunning art film experience...Girl With a PearlEarring won't disappoint.

cannston 2012-05-02 22:53:50

Finally some subtlety

Taking pleasure in small, everyday moments - not something you'd expect tomake a viable theme within a movie these days. It made the painter Vermeerinto one of the greatest artists of all time, but is only one of the ideascrafted into this excellent film. The director and cinematographercertainly understood this theme, as evidenced by the beautifully lit andcomposed scenes. Of course, there is more here - a very erotic undercoatjust beneath the surface layer of paint, and the disruption it can bringtoan otherwise stable existence. But you can just sit back and enjoy thevisual beauty of this film, and ignore the rest, and you'll still be gladyou saw it.

chet19 2012-05-02 07:09:16

Don't be fooled...

This is a dull, slow movie about a girl who becomes an artist's assistant. If you've read some of these other reviews on here, all these reviewers aretalking about subtleties, and cinematography, and imbedded meanings in thefilm. That's all fine if they want to offer their conjecture, but it's justpsycho-babble from people looking for something deep and profound in thisfilm, when it doesn't even exist.The girl mixes paint for the guy and at one point she moves the furniture asa suggestion for a better pose. Other than that, we see her wash bedsheets,prepare salads, sniff raw meat and other menial household chores. If peoplewant to find the deep meanings in all of that, go for it. But NONE of thosedeep meanings are evident in this boring movie, unless your imaginationmakes it up for you.

2012-05-01 17:20:20

A Stunning Visual Experience

GWAPE is a Vermeer painting come to life. Colin Firth brings his considerable repertoire of talents to the enigmatic Johannes Vermeer and makes him a formidable figure with sparce dialogue. Scarlet is the perfect Greit. All the actors are outstanding, and many claim it's Scarlet's movie, but Colin Firth has it in his own quiet but strong grasp. This is a movie to seen repeatedly.

2012-05-01 11:38:07

Beautiful, Taut, Retelling

I've read a lot of reviews that said that this was a dull movie, which makes me believe that perhaps we need more Ritalin in the water system. This movie took a familiar, simple story, and made it beautiful, complex, and restrained. The seduction of a servant girl that provokes jealousy in the master's wife was perhaps the kernel of the story, but the way that the story refused to unfold completely made for a very pleasant, taut movie. Colin Firth seemed at first to have a one note role of quiet brooder, but his delight in Griet's grasp of the foundations of art amended my initial disappointment. Tom Wilkinson was fabulous as usual, and I was transfixed by Cillian Murphy's cheekbones. As for Scarlett Johansson... I continue my worship of her subtlety, restraint, and frugality of emotion. As many others have said, it was a gorgeous movie. Beautiful light, colors, set, costumes, and of course, Johansson, who proved to be a perfect muse for Firth's Vermeer. I believe that Webber was actually trying to mimic the way that Vermeer tried to capture domestic scenes, and he succeeded admirably. It was a very interior movie, as was much of Vermeer's art, and it worked best while it remained inside the home. It's been a long time since I read Chevalier's novel, so I can't remember how well it represented it, which may be to my benefit, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would watch it again just to watch the maid throw chickens around in the kitchen. 9 out of 10.

2012-05-01 00:18:31

A Masterpiece!

Although the film could be described as overly artistic, it is an absolute joy to watch. Each and every scene is breathtaking, made to reflect the feeling of a painting in light and elegance. Also, I cannot imagine the characters being played by anyone else. Scarlett Johansson is brilliant (in my personal opinion). I was thoroughly pleased with her excellent subtlety. Her moods were vibrantly portrayed, even though at the same time, always mild and subdued. I was deeply impressed by her acting, and I am not one easily impressed. Cillian Murphy was perfect for the role of the butcher's son. Although I enjoyed Colin Firth's performance, I did not feel loyal to him as Vermeer. I am satisfied with his being cast, but there are others who could have fit the part just as well.The interaction between Griet and Vermeer is simply beautiful. Rich and softly powerful. Their relationship is unrelentingly teasing to the viewer, but in the end you do not feel cheated. I love this film and can get lost in its gorgeous world over and over again.