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dmy9999
Reviews
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)
I have more interests on the painting itself.
Young woman with a Pearl Earring is a painting by the Dutch painter Vermeer Van Delf during 1665-1666. Tracy Chevalier, a writer, wrote a book named "Girl with a Pearl Earring" about it,telling the story of Vermeer and the model Griet. I have never read this book, but I happened watch the film. Frankly, I was very disappointed by the film and have given some thought to the reason why it simply does not work. I 'd rather watch the painting itself more.
Firstly, it seems to me that the film must be too dependent on the book. I guess the book would be much better. Words can express the feelings or thoughts. Films can't do like that. Films use dialogs, settings, facial changes, music etc to convey the information. I don't think the film does well to express the characters' deep emotions.
This leads me to the second point of the criticism. Since the characters are not well-described or well-introduced to the actors, how could Colin Firth and Scarlett Johanson act properly? OK. it is the actor's job to exploit the characters thought the dialogs. But they still didn't find the right emotion to act the painter and the model. And I don't think this is the fault of the actors.
As to Colin Firth, personally, I really enjoy his role in Briget Jones' Diary. He is the Mr.Darcy. But i don't think he is the right person for Vermeer, even though his screen image is like an artist. As to Scarlett Johansen, her role Grace in " Horse Whisper" is so amazing that I think she will be a great star in the future. However, her act skills and facial expression do not change much. I can still find Grace in her Griet. This is not good. She should have more emotional expression and break through the image of Grace. As to the other actors, sorry to say , i don't have much impression on them.
OK. I can't wait to talk more about the painting. In 17th century, the renowned Baroque artist Johannes Vermeer painted "Girl with a Pearl Earring," which has been called the Dutch Mona Lisa.
"The Baroque period is remembered less by one specific style of art than as a period of time. Derived from the Portuguese baroque for "irregular pearl," Baroque was comprised of many diversions from biblically based Renaissance painting. The Protestant Reformation unleashed artists from rote depictions of scenes from the Bible and allowed them to venture into increasingly more interesting domestic domains. Ladies of the day would pose before silent musical instruments in rooms adorned with the trappings of success, like maps of newly explored territories and shelves with expensive volumes of books. As the merchant class gained monetary status in the community, so did their desire to be painted, just as royalty was just a few decades earlier.
The most well-known departure from Vermeer's calculated paintings is the intriguing, mysterious subject of "Girl with a Pearl Earring," thought to be painted in 1665. In the painting, a young woman, adorned in an unusual head wrap and wearing a prominent pearl-drop earring, turns to face the painter over her left shoulder eyes sympathetic and slightly lowered, mouth demurely parted. The moment captured by the painting is captivating sexually charged yet undeniably innocent." Haha..I love paintings.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
a good film you won't want to miss
"why there are so many women unmarried nowadays?"
maybe 3 main options,I think:
1. don't want to get married due to several reasons. 2. want a marriage, but no choice at all. 3. want a marriage, have choices,but don't know which one is the Mr.right.
Bridget Jones belongs to the second one.Jamie O'Neal's song "All by Myself" tells how Bridget feels deep inside.She is truthful,lovely,a little awkward, trying very hard to find someone to be with for life.She is unlucky to start an office relationship with a wrong person who is like a playboy.However, she is also lucky.Her directness attracts another man and she is carried by his word "I like you, just as you are".(I think it is the most romantic word I have ever heard.^^) Since it is a comedy, laughter goes along with the film and I think you won't forget the last scene of the film.Just like other romantic comedies,a happy ending is there, Bridget and Mr.Darcy get together at last.^^(I know in BJD II,the two are at the brink of breaking-up,but luckily,they still get together AT LAST. however,personally,I don't like the sequel. )
Renee Zellweger is a flexible actress.She can play a rough county girl with a strong accent and a little husky voice in "Cold Mountain" and a passionate sexy girl in "Chicago". Her Bridget is also vivid. she did a great job.no doubt she got the Oscar.
It is really unexpected to know Hugh Grant plays Daniel.In my mind,Hugh Grant usually plays those romantic good man,like Charlez in "4 weddings and 1 funeral" and the guy in "Notting Hill"(sorry, forgot the name). It was really hard for me to re-build an image for him when the film goes on, but he did a good job.
As to Colin Firth,I knew nothing about him before this film. But he is exactly the right person for Mr.Darcy who is deeply hurt by his previous love. Besides,his appearance reminds me of the original Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice".A good match I believe.(Colin's role in "Love Actually" is also this kind.)
I have seen this film several times and enjoy it every time.I recommend it without any reservation.
Les choristes (2004)
wonderful!!!!!!!!!
Such a wonderful film!!!!! I saw this film at the 2004 French Cutlture Year Festival held in Beijing. Les Choristes is a very emotional film that reminded me very much of an American film "Music of the Heart".
It tells a story of a failed musician named Clement Mathieu who never gives up his music. He is a model for teachers. I mean he is warm-hearted, fatherly and full of passions,compared with the child-abused headmaster. He always has a way to get into children's hearts.He not only introduces singing to these "impossible" kids, but also inspires them for their rest life. Pierre Morhange is the best one. Oh,God.How beautiful his voice is.He sings like an angel.
Come watch the film,you would never forget it!!
Indochine (1992)
good
I first saw this movie in a french class at univ. I don't think it is a film talking about communists or communism,it is more like a brief history of Vietnam under control by France. Every country has its own style and way of developing,so telling a love story can't part from the condition or the atmosphere.It is not a happy-ending love story,I don't know whether "tragedy" is a proper word, but it fills with joys and sorrows.I like something with deep meanings and deep feelings or emotions.Indochine is right for me.I am not sure where the film was shot,the scenery is nice and characteristic. The roles are vivid and rich,esp Eliane played by Catherine Deneuve. Although i had to read the English subtitles while listening to french, the film still grabbed my attention tightly.