The Girl with the Pearl Earring

Jan Vermeer's painting comes to life in this film. The look at art in the 17th century and the connection between artist/painter and patron drives much of the backstory of why paintings exist (social standing and vanity drove patrons to seek out talented painter, while painters sought out to make a living by appealing to the wealthy who could sustain them). Many frames of this film feel like paintings in and of themselves, the production values make for interesting gazing. The film tries to get across the idea that while painting is the end product, there is the human cost associated with it, but rarely does it ever enter into the exercise of appreciating the painting itself.

The performances are filled with sparse dialogue, relying on facial expressions and viewer interpretation, and it does its best to show, rather than tell, which is a reflection of its subject matter (art/paintings), so it's understandable of the choice to embrace that concept in telling the story behind the painting "Girl With The Pearl Earring".

This film isn't for everyone, it's very languid and moves at a pace that recalls the adage "You can't rush art".

I give it 3 stars or a grade of B.