The movie „Girl with a pearl earring” was named after Vermeer’s painting with the same name, actually after a novel having the same name as the painting. The movie was directed by Peter Webber, released in 2003 and features Scarlett Johansson (Griet) and Colin Firth (Vermeer) as main protagonists. The action is taking place in Delft, Holland, in 1665. After her father, a tile painter becomes blind after an explosion Griet is obliged to work in order to support her family. She is employed as a servant by Vermeer. Subsequently she will succeed to catch her master’s attention who will finally teach her. Despite their different educational and social background, Vermeer notices Griet’s strong interest for colors and light, and step by step will introduce her into the painting world.
While Vermeer’s wife, Catharina, is jealous about her husband spending so much time with Griet, his mother in law, Maria, recognizes her value as a catalyst for the creativity of Johannes Vermeer.
The movie turns dramatic when Vermeer’s financial protector, the malefic van Ruijven takes notice of Griet and wants her to work henceforth for him. As Vermeer refuses he should paint at least a painting with Griet. During the execution of the portrait, Vermeer and Griet get closer, his wife gets even more jealous and feels rejected, not being worth to be painted herself. Van Ruijven complicates the situation but rather than giving you a spoiler here, we invite you to watch the movie yourself.
The movie Girl with a Pearl Earring received three Oscar nominations, for the best scenery, best picture and best costumes. Though it received none, it won 7 other prices and several other nominations.
The soundtrack was written by Alexandre Desplat and released during 2004, while the movie was based on a novel by Tracy Chevalier with the same name, issued in 1999.
Not all of the paintings shown in the movie are real Vermeers, some were just made up for the film. See here for our list of the real Vermeer paintings known.
