Review of Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) by Marian K — 30 Nov 2008

Based on what I thought to be a rather silly, but undeniably readable novel, this film makes a mockery of what little subtlety the book possessed. Scarlet Johansson maintains her usual bright eyed dullness throughout the film, while the rest of the cast proceeds with a stoicism that is inappropriate, considering the lack of the true weight the narrative contains.

Colin Firth's brooding glares are almost laugh worthy, while Judy Parfitt's attempts to bring to life the rather layered matriarch are too grave to be taken seriously. Cillian Murphy as always is a bright light, possibly because he is given very little to say.