Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)

A young peasant maid working in the house of painter Johannes Vermeer becomes his talented assistant and the model for one of his most famous works.

Director:

Peter Webber

Writers:

Tracy Chevalier (novel), Olivia Hetreed (screenplay)

Stars:

Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 17 wins & 42 nominations.

Cast

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

Storyline

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.

---

Plot Keywords:

artist's model | painter | johannes vermeer | art studio | master servant relationship | 

---

Taglines:

Discover the mystery behind the legend.

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content

Did You Know?

Trivia

A subplot with David Morrissey as a friend of Vermeer was dropped during editing of the film. None of his scenes were featured on the DVD release.

---

Goofs

When Griet has just been shown around the house, she descends a staircase holding what looks like a hurricane lamp with a flame enclosed in glass. This kind of lamp was not invented till the 19th century, some 200 years after the painting was created.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Griet's Mother: Griet! Leave that.

---

Connections

Referenced in The Making of 'The Phantom of the Opera' (2005)

User Reviews

Not without flaws, but beautifully presented

Young woman in Holland circa 1665, innocent and wide-eyed but hard working, leaves home for job as scullery maid to a painter named Vermeer and his family; soon, she becomes the artist's secret assistant and muse, eventually posing for Vermeer's famous title-named portrait. Stunning art direction, lively pacing and an absorbing narrative all make up for a few key performances which seem too modern, and minor instances where the editing isn't as sharp as one might hope. The maid's many entrances and exits are repetitive, but Scarlett Johansson proves to be an intuitive actress who excels in a role with very little dialogue. Quite good overall, and with a finale that smartly leaves the breathless viewer wondering...asking...wanting more. *** from ****

Details

Country:

UK Luxembourg France Belgium USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 January 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Filming Locations:

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$89,472, 14 December 2003

Gross USA:

$11,670,971

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$33,030,115

Company Credits

Production Co:

Archer Street Productions, Delux Productions, Pathé

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1