Girl with a Pearl Earring

Vermeer's stunning painting, Girl With a Pearl Earring, painted in 1665, has fascinated historians. No one knows who she was or what her relationship was with Vermeer. This film is based on Tracey Chevalier's novel which purports to explain how the painting came into being. Can you really make a film about a painting? Yes, you can. This beautifully photographed film features Colin Firth as the enigmatic Johannes Vermeer, an artist who is as trapped by his life and growing family, as is the maid Griet who longs for a life denied to those of her station, but who ends up posing for the artist. Tom Wilkinson as the libidinous patron of the arts and Judy Parfitt as Vermeer's mother-in-law are simply outstanding. Leisurely paced and underplayed, this is a marvelous alternative for those who think seeing the movie Torque would be pure torture.

Release Date: December 12, 2003

Company: Lions Gate Films

Tagline: Beauty inspires obsession.

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Parfitt, Cillian Murphy, Essie Davis

Director: Peter Webber

Screenwriters: Olivia Hetreed

MPAA Rating: PG-13, for some sexual content