Related lists from IMDb editors
Related lists from IMDb users
Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Colin Firth | ... | Vermeer | |
| Scarlett Johansson | ... | Griet | |
| Tom Wilkinson | ... | Van Ruijven | |
| Judy Parfitt | ... | Maria Thins | |
| Cillian Murphy | ... | Pieter | |
| Essie Davis | ... | Catharina | |
| Joanna Scanlan | ... | Tanneke | |
| Alakina Mann | ... | Cornelia | |
 |
Chris McHallem | ... | Griet's Father |
|
|
Gabrielle Reidy | ... | Griet's Mother |
| Rollo Weeks | ... | Frans | |
| Anna Popplewell | ... | Maertge | |
|
|
Anaïs Nepper | ... | Lisbeth |
|
|
Melanie Meyfroid | ... | Aleydis |
|
|
Nathan Nepper | ... | Johannes |
This film, adapted from a work of fiction by author Tracy Chevalier, tells a story about the events surrounding the creation of the painting "Girl With a Pearl Earring" by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Little is known about the girl in the painting, it is speculated that she was a maid who lived in the house of the painter along with his family and other servants, though there is no historical evidence. This masterful film attempts to recreate the mysterious girl's life. Griet, played by Scarlett Johansson, is a maid in the house of painter Johannes Vermeer, played by British actor Colin Firth. Vermeer's wealthy patron and sole means of support, Van Ruijven, commissions him to paint Griet with the intent that he will have her for himself before it is finished. She must somehow secretly pose for the crucial painting without the knowledge of Vermeer's wife, avoid Van Ruijven's grasp, and protect herself from the cruel gossip of the world of a 17th century servant. Written by thexotherxchris
I recently read the book Girl with a Pearl Earring and I was very impressed by the way Tracy Chevalier gave life and credibility to her portrait of Griet and the Dutch painter Vermeer.
Thus, it was with high expectations that I bought the film and watched it. I was very disappointed by the film and have given some thought to the reason why it simply does not work.
Firstly, it seems to me that the film is too dependent on the book. It seems to me that viewers who have not read the book will wonder what it is all about. Since the book has so many "in-betweens", some sort of explanation about the characters and the plot seems essential. It seems to me that the director relied too much on the facial expressions of the leading actors to convey not only emotions but also crucial events in the plot.
This leads me to the second point of the criticism. I think the main problem with the film is exactly the characterisation. Colin Firth and Scarlett Johanson do not strike me as credible characters they do not literally "jump from the screen" as they did indeed jump from the page.
Firths body language is moody and closed and it comes across as if he is sulking all the way through the movie rather than enveloped and passionate about his work. Scarlett Johansen also fails to convey the intelligence and dormant potential of the maid Griet. It is not enough to just open and close your mouth 1000 times when we are given no other clues to what ís going on.
I do not think however that this is the fault of the actors - it must mean that something is missing in the direction and the script - there seems to be too little material for the actors in which to invest and bring out the characters. Too much material is only suggested and still relies upon the viewer having read the book and being able to fill in the blanks and fill in the emotions in those vacant expressions of Scarlett and Colin.
Some of the plot changes also puzzled me. Why does Vermeer pierce both her ears when she did one of them herself in the book. I thought this was a very powerful way of showing Vermeers dedication as well as his passion for the art which is uncomprising as well as a little cruel.
An adaptation has to be able to stand alone and this film certainly does not achieve this.
3/10