Review of Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) by Febyanita D — 17 Jun 2009
This movie has a couple things going for it. For one, it is visually gorgeous (fitting for a movie about a Johannes Vermeer). The colors and costumes are quite sumptuous. Also, there are a few scenes that are deeply sensual, such as when Vermeer massages his wife's neck while she plays the harpischord, or when he pierces Griet's ear for the painting.
Other than those few things, the film is an average Hollywood drama (I felt similarly about The Reader) with typical Hollywood cliches. And although the acting is generally good (Tom Wilkinson as Vermeer's predatory patron and Essie Davis as Vermeer's jealous, petty wife stand out), Scarlett Johansson's turn as wide-eyed, mouth-breathing (what is up with these heroines who have their mouths gaping throughout entire film? I'm looking at you, Kristen Stewart in Twilight) Griet is just plain annoying.
Surely they could have chosen a more compelling actress to play Griet?
This review of Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) was written by Febyanita D on 17 Jun 2009.
Girl with a Pearl Earring has generally received positive reviews.
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