Review of Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) by Deb S — 24 Oct 2008

This is the story of the life of Johannes Vermeer, a brilliant painter and attempts to explain the origin of one of his more unusual and enigmatic works, Girl with a Pearl Earring. Movie is a based on a Tracy Chevalier's novel. Vermeer was introverted, quiet and withdrawn and Scarlet Johansson plays the young peasant girl. She is beautifully contrasted with the wife, where power is only external (in status and possessions such as jewelry). This movie concentrates upon the emotional torment behind the act of artistic creation.

There are several scenes that build one upon the other, that construct the ever growing sensual connection that comes between Vermeer and Griet. It climaxes at the point where Vermeer's hand gently removes a tear from Griet's cheek when she cries from the brief pain of having her ear pierced for the wearing of the pearl earring of the title. It has proper amounts of tenderness, of sexual tension, of innocence and ingenuity and proves that sexual restraint can be more powerfully erotic than the explicit.

Be warned that this movie is slow-paced but wow, what a Visual Treat! This movie had three Oscar nominations in 2003 (cinematography, art direction and costume design) and two Golden Globe nominations, and is highly recommended to any viewer who appreciates arts. Those who can tap into the subtle human emotional undercurrents will find this film far more satisfying than those who cannot.