Factual error: When Griet is introduced to the camera obscura, far too much light is projected onto Vermeer's and Griet's faces. Camera obscuras don't make their own light; rather the image produced on the viewing screen is always dull.
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)
Plot summary
Directed by: Peter Webber
Starring: Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Wilkinson, Cillian Murphy, Judy Parfitt
A 17 year old girl named Griet is sent to work in the household of the painter Johannes Vermeer when her father loses his job because he's blind. Vermeer decides to have Griet work as his assistant and clean his studio. Van Ruiven, the guy who pays Vermeer to paint, makes Vermeer paint a picture of Griet - because he 'likes' her. This results in the famous picture, Girl With A Pearl Earring. Also, Griet deals with the attentions of Pieter, the family butcher.
More mistakes in Girl with a Pearl Earring
Catharina: Is it true she wore my pearls? How could you? How could you?
More questions & answers from Girl with a Pearl Earring
Answer: As with most paintings, there are undoubtedly different interpretations - everyone has their own views. In the movie, Vermeer's wife felt that it was obscene - that's her interpretation. A number of art critics have commented on a 'subtle eroticism' in the painting, and this may be what is being alluded to, using Catherina to carry the message across. It's worth pointing out that a number of Vermeer experts have disagreed quite vehemently with the portrayal of Catherina in the film - surviving historical evidence would seem to indicate that Vermeer's marriage was a happy one.
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