The new film “Girl With a Pearl Earring,” derives inspiration from the famous 17th-century portrait by protagonist Johannes Vermeer’s, played by Colin Firth.
The controversial painting depicts a young woman gazing over her left shoulder, with a blue sash upon her head and a pearl earring in her ear. She is painted with intricate detail and appears virtually flawless. Her lips are soft and carefully parted, her cheeks are flushed, her skin is clear.
The most intriguing part of the painting is her eyes. In their innocence lies an endless array of emotions and a number of timeless untold mysteries. This picture sets the premise of the anticlimactic film.
Based on a popular novel written by Tracy Chevalier, the film’s images portray circumstances that might have led to the creation of Vermeer’s most famous painting. Little is known about Vermeer’s legend as well as the 35 paintings he left behind. Historians have speculated whether the girl in the painting is his daughter or friend.
To the contrary, this film portrays her as his maid. The mysterious subject’s name, according to this story, is Griet, played by Scarlett Johansson.
At 17 years old, she is sent off to become a servant in Vermeer’s household near Delft, Holland. In addition to cleaning, she is permitted to assist Vermeer with his work, which everyone -including his wife Catharina, played by Essie Davis – is forbidden to do. Griet not only shares his passion for art, but she also inspires Vermeer’s most precious works.
Griet is intimidated by Vermeer and has few lines to convey her emotions. Johansson, however, does a remarkable job of expressing her feelings without uttering a word. Instead, she allows her facial expressions and gestures to do the interpreting.
Van Ruijven, played by Tom Wilkinson, a wealthy patron of Vermeer, requests a painting of Griet. Vermeer’s mother-in-law, Maria Thins, played by Judy Parfitt, grants his requests without regard for Vermeer’s feelings or those of her daughter. And so the tale begins.
Barely lasting 90 minutes, the film’s most disappointing shortcoming is that it never develops into a meaningful story. The plot is notably underdeveloped. “Girl With a Pearl Earring” had all the credentials to be a promising film with an engaging plot.
The set was remarkable, the cast was extraordinary and the premise was interesting. The plot, however, went nowhere. The failure to develop into something worthwhile weakened the film and disappointed viewers.
Unfortunately, Peter Webber’s attempt at symbolism was ineffective. “Girl With a Pearl Earring” is arguably predictable and overall dissatisfying. Though this film is Webber’s feature-directing debut, it does not excuse the actual lack of direction and anticlimactic composition. Reserve this film for a rental.
