Review of Tim's Vermeer (2013) by Joe P — 02 Jul 2014

A fascinating examination of obsession and the definition of art, Tim's Vermeer would make a marvelous triple feature with both Exit Through The Gift Shop and Jiro Dreams of Sushi. This film, however, falls short of the greatness of the aforementioned two for a few reasons.

First and most importantly, the central argument of the film, while strong and well supported, is the only viewpoint offered. It seems like Jenison's theory is certainly plausible, but it would have strengthened the film had any counterarguments been shown.

Second, Penn Jillette's narration and personality were unnecessary distractions. He's only tangentially related to the story the film is telling, and I think that his role as narrator would have been more effective if it had come from Tim's own voice.

Third, Jenison is so frequently self-depricating in his descriptions of his abilities that it often comes off as false modesty. That's less a critique of the film than of Tim himself, but this (along with the involvement of Penn and Teller) had me suspicious that the full story was not being told.

Regardless of these criticisms, the film remains an absorbing narrative and well worth viewing.