GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING@moviebus

GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING

Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Parfitt, Cillian Murphy

Directed by: Peter Webber
Written by:Olivia Hetreed
Produced by: Andy Paterson, Anand Tucker
Distributor: Pathe

US: 12/12/03 (NY/LA)
UK: 16/01/04

After her father is blinded in a kiln explosion, seventeen year old Griet must work to support her family. She becomes a maid in the house of Johannes Vermeer and gradually attracts the master painter's attention. Though worlds apart in upbringing, education and social standing, Vermeer recognizes Griet's intuitive understanding of colour and light and slowly draws her into the mysterious world of his paintings.

Vermeer is a perfectionist, often taking months to finish a painting. His shrewd mother-in-law, Maria Thins, struggles to maintain the family's lavish lifestyle on the income from his painstakingly meagre output. Seeing that Griet inspires Vermeer, she takes the dangerous decision to allow their clandestine relationship to develop.

Alone and unprotected, Griet also contends with the attentions of Pieter, a local butcher boy, and Vermeer's patron, the wealthy and lascivious Master van Ruijven, who is frustrated that his money does not buy him control over the artist. While Griet falls increasingly under Vermeer's spell, she cannot be sure of his feelings for her.

The Machiavellian van Ruijven, sensing the intimacy between master and maid, gleefully contrives a commission for Vermeer to paint Griet alone.

For those not familiar with the Johannes Vermeer work of art on which this movie is based: think Mona Lisa... only really HOT!

Not only is Scarlett Johansson exactly the same age as the girl with the pearl earring, she is an almost perfect doppelganger in looks. Add to that she's an actor of exceptional talent and you have a truly OSCARWORTHY performance. It's all in the eyes. Supported by a first rate mostly Brit cast including the masterful Tom Wilkinson. Go see.