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It takes a steady
hand for an artist to create a work of art
worthy of adulation by the masses. It was
with such a steady hand that 17th century
artist Johannes Vermeer was able to create
the subtle beauty that is “Girl with
a Pearl Earring.” I’m not an
expert by any means when it comes to art,
but I know what I like. I cannot stand what
has been come to be classified as ‘modern
art’, so much so that when a sculpture
garden was built (at a cost of millions)
beneath the window of my Dallas office,
I can only wonder when the rusted hunks
of metal will be carted off. Of course,
these rusted hunks of metal are considered
to be masterful works of art, but only to
the elite upper crust of society who only
appreciate what they are told to.
I believe in art that doesn’t so much
symbolize as actually look like what it
is supposed to represent. Anyone with a
canvas and paint can splatter mindless gobs
color and swear that it is symbolic of man’s
inhumanity to man.’ Add in a dash
of good marketing, and you can make some
rich idiot pay $200,000 for it.
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Give me the true masters any day of the week.
Show me a Da Vinci and I’ll sit in wonder
at the beauty of it. Show me a Vermeer, and I’ll
be awestruck by the amazing color and shading
that give his work an almost photorealistic look.
Most modern artists are hacks, these guys are
the real masters.
It was with an equally steady hand that first
time director Peter Webber created the film “Girl
with a Pearl Earring”, based on the book
by Tracey Chevalier. The subject of the painting
in question is almost as much of a mystery as
the Mona Lisa, and both the book and film postulate
the possibly of her identity. Here we are given
the story of a young girl who comes to work as
a maid in the painter’s house. Her name
is Griet, and when after a time she is sent to
clean the art studio, begins to insinuate herself
into Vermeer’s life. This of course, causes
no end of problems between the artist and his
pregnant wife.
“The Girl with a Pearl Earring” is
an amazingly quiet film, where on the surface
it seems that little is happening. But just like
the work of the real artist, all the turmoil bubbles
just under the surface. What really makes this
film work, though is the wonderfully understated
performances by Scarlett Johansson as Griet. She
rarely lets her feeling show, as the pair becomes
closer. With little more than a look, Johansson
is able to convey such strong emotions, whether
it is her love of Vermeer or the realization that
a real relationship is impossible. Firth delivers
Vermeer with a restrained performance as the ever
tortured artist who finds everyone in his life
to be a distraction. Everyone that is, but Griet,
as she alone understands the depth of his genius.
She becomes his muse, his inspiration.
I talked to a few of my friends about this movie,
curious to hear their reactions. Several found
it to be boring; many didn’t get what was
supposed to be so special about it. After finally
seeing the movie for myself, I can see why some
may have felt that way. The average moviegoer
will probably not appreciate it’s slow pace
and quiet build. However I felt as though the
pace suited the style. Beauty cannot be rushed;
it is never hurried and can never be successfully
shoved in your face. It’s like comparing
a maddening frenzy of a blizzard to a gentle splendor
of a light snowfall.
For me, everything about “Girl with a Pearl
Earring” just clicks. The production value
is unbelievable, from the costumes to the detail
of the sets. Even the music, by composer Alexandre
Desplat, is hypnotic and seemingly true to the
period. The soundtrack hits high up on my wish
list of future CDs.
The extra features are few, but one in particular
is well worth your time. Lions Gate decided to
include an episode of the Sundance Channel’s
“Anatomy of a Scene” focusing on “Girl
with a Pearl Earring.” It runs just under
a half hour, but is full of interesting behind
the scenes footage and interviews, with hardly
a sign of anything superlative. Then there is
an odd inclusion, that being a music video for
the film. I’m unaware of the artist, but
Johansson shows up in the video. The song is pretty
good, but nothing special. I understand there
was supposed to be a commentary, but I couldn’t
find one anywhere on the disc.
“Girl with a Pearl Earring” certainly
deserved more attention than it received during
its theatrical run, and I hope that it does better
on DVD. Perhaps audiences will pick up more on
the subtle nuances in the comfort of their living
room, than they did on the big screen.
Directed by: Peter Webber
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom
Wilkinson, Essie Davis, Judy Parfitt
Extras: Anatomy of a Scene, Music Video
Specifications: Widescreen (2.35:1), Dolby Digital
5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: 5/4/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Website
We'll give Girl with the Pearl Earring an A.
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