Girl with a Pearl Earring 2003

     This movie is adapted from a work of fiction by author Tracy Chevalier.  It is a story about the events surrounding the famous painting Girl With a Pearl Earring by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer.  Not very much is known about the girl, there is no historical evidence but it is thought that she was a maid and she lived in the house of Vermeer.  She lived with Vermeer’s family and his other servants?  Vermeer had a wealthy patron and that was his sole means of support.  Van Ruijven commissions Vermeer to paint Griet with the idea of moving her to his household after the painting is completed.  Griet must pose secretly for the painting without the knowledge of Vermeer’s wife.  She will also need to avoid the grasp of Van Ruijven’s and protect herself from the gossip surrounding a 17th century servant!!

     It is possible that Griet is a shortened form of Marguerite.  A relationship developed between Vermeer and Griet.  It was certainly meaningful and impacted both of their lives and the Vermeer household.  There are clashes of art and commerce, sex and power, master and servant, parent and child.  Griet’s job is to do what she is told and keep to herself.  She is learning things during the painting sessions that she would never have known.  She doesn’t wash the windows in the studio because it will change the look of the light.  She helps Vermeer mix his paints and he shows her some of his painting techniques.  Van Ruijven’s interest in the Vermeer family is vital for their livelihood.  Vermeer’s mother-in-law will do anything she can to keep Van Ruijven happy!!

100 min, Bio directed by Peter Webber and written by Tracy Chevalier and Olivia Hetreed with Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Parfitt, Cillian Murpy, Essie Davis, Joanna Scanlan, Alakina Mann, Chris McHallem, Gabrielle Reidy, Rollo Weeks, Anna Popplewell.

Note:  Goodreads gives the book 3.89* out of 5* with 626,223 ratings and 9,805 reviews, Imdb 6.9* out of 10* with 71,522 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 72% with 178 critics 68% with 62,699 audience scores, Roger Ebert 4*, Amazon 4.5* out of 5* with 1,252 ratings.

Special Note:  The screenplay is based on Tracy Chevalier’s novel and it is largely fictional or hypothetical.  It is based on real historic figures.  Chevalier sold the film rights and did not have any involvement in the film or screenplay.  She did say she was pleased with the results.  The date of this painting is 1665 and it has been in The Hague since 1902.  In 2006, the Dutch public selected it as the most beautiful painting in the Netherlands.