A couple of weeks ago, I was less than enthusiastic about Scarlett Johanssen's performance in 'Lost In Translation'. I think now that it was just the movie as a whole that I didn't particularly like. Here she gives an enigmatic and mesmerising performance in what can only be described as a gentle classic. The film is 'assembled' like the craft of a painter. There is nothing out of place. Everything, unlike 'LIT', flows, albeit slowly; but never are you spurring the action along. It is to be savoured. The sets, the costumes, the performances, and the music. This is a faultless film. The pace is slow, but fits perfectly together like the artistic jigsaw it is. At one point, I was hoping that the music score would involve the piano. In the next scene, we were introduced to a harpsichord. I knew then that this was a movie that slotted into my own top drawer, without effort. If there are any criticisms, it may be that I didn't feel Colin Firth was quite as cut out for this role as someone like Johnny Depp. I like Firth but to me he always seems more at home with lighter roles. It doesn't really matter, however, as the whole cast is terrific, especially Miss Johanssen, who surpasses everything she has done before, which is saying something, because she is terrific in'Ghost World' and out-acts Billy Bob Thornton in 'The Man Who Wasn't There'. I had never heard of the artist Johannes Vermeer, being a bit dense in matters of the fine arts. But you don't have to be a high-brow to enjoy this story. You just need to be able to appreciate the art of good cinema. Finally, a word again about the music. It was so good that I will be seeking the soundtrack, should there be one. If the ear-piercing scene looks painful, it is far outweighed by the piecing of one's soul. 9 out of 10.
Review of Girl with a Pearl Earring
