Thursday, May 20, 2004

Girl With a Pearl Earring

Movie Review *** 1/2 (out of ****)

This movie, just out on DVD, is most notable for the nuanced performance of Scarlett Johansson in the role of Griet, the servant girl who is chosen to be painted by her master, Vermeer.

The film makes excellent use of period settings and costumes to re-create the feeling of what it might have been like to live in Holland in 1665.

It also elicits in the viewer an appreciation for the fine art of painting, particularly as practiced by Jan Vermeer.

There is little dialog, and here Johansson shines with her ability to express a range of emotions with just facial expressions.

This is not an action film or romantic comedy, nor does it have a "happy" ending. But it is highly recommended for the discerning movie-goer, or in this case video viewer.

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