Film Review 1

                        Girl with a Pearl Earring(2003)

Cast:

• Colin Firth as Johannes Vermeer

• Scarlett Johansson as Griet

• Tom Wilkinson as Pieter van Ruijven

• Cillian Murphy as Pieter

• Judy Parfitt as Maria Thins

• Essie Davis as Catharina Bolnes

• Anna Popplewell as Maertge

• Alakina Mann as Cornelia

Directed by Peter Webber .

Synopsis: This film, adapted from a work of fiction by author Tracy Chevalier, tells a story about the events surrounding the creation of the painting "Girl With A Pearl Earring" by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Little is known about the girl in the painting, it is speculated that she was a maid who lived in the house of the painter along with his family and other servants, though there is no historical evidence . This masterful film attempts to recreate the mysterious girl's life. Griet, played by Scarlett Johansson, is a maid in the house of painter Johannes Vermeer, played by British actor Colin Firth. Vermeer's wealthy patron and sole means of support, Van Ruijven, commissions him to paint Griet with the intent that he will have her for himself before it is finished. She must somehow secretly pose for the crucial painting without the knowledge of Vermeer's wife, avoid Van Ruijven's grasp, and protect herself from the cruel gossip of the world of a 17th century servant.
Review:Seventeen year old Griet became the servant of painter Johannes Vermeer after her father,a good artist,had  gone blind and was unable to work and support his family financially.Griet worked hard,almost wordlessly,her primary duty was to clean the master's studio.On a routine shopping trip outside the house she met a butcher's son Pieter,who fell in love with her.In the studio Griet became casually acquainted and he encouraged her appreciation of painting, light and color. Vermeer gave her lessons in mixing paints and other tasks, taking care to keep this secret from his thin-lipped wife.As Vermeer secretly worked on the eponymous painting, Catharina's growing jealousy of Griet became apparent.While Griet suffered through her fascination with Vermeer and his paintings, she also had to fend off Van Ruijven's attempt to rape her.At the end of the film,she left the house where she had worked and received a gift- that very earrings she wore while Vermeer was painting her.
   As for the actor’s performances, Scarlett Johansson earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for Girl with a Pearl Earring.She was so beautiful,innocent,she was perfect for this role.
  As for me,this film impressed me deeply!This film is so strange and differs from those I usually watch.I enjoy the film because it is showed the ordinary things in the extraordinary way.A trip to the butcher or a walk across the city is so beautifully detailed that it really transported me to a landscape that is very different than my own. It is also worth noting that Griet experiences the pain of unrequited love, a universal emotion, with her master.Throughout the film, she experiences the jealousy of other women, the burden of her parent's expectations, and the pain of moving away from home. All of the details made the film is very colourful, touching and wonderful.