Girl with a Pearl Earring

Director Peter Webber's small masterpiece--which imagines the story behind Johannes Vermeer's painting of the same name--contains moments so evocative, so stunning that they literally make you hold your breath. Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation) is extraordinary as the tentative, spellbound young housemaid who becomes muse and artistic confidant to the 17th-century Dutch master (the solemnly magnetic Colin Firth), much to the lascivious pleasure of his Machiavellian patron (Tom Wilkinson) and jealousy of his vulnerable, volatile wife (Essie Davis). Period-perfect and full of imaginative Vermeer-inspired imagery, Webber's fluid command of the film's unspoken passions is remarkable as Johansson and Firth build a halting but inescapable yearning between them that is tested by the thorny circumstances that lead to his painting of her portrait and to the acquisition of the famous earring at its focal point. In fact, Girl with a Pearl Earring has such vivid depth and breadth that it's hard to imagine ever looking at the painting again without being influenced by this film. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD extras include a Sundance Channel “Anatomy of a Scene” (23 min.), the music video “Girl with a Pearl” by Truman featuring star Scarlett Johansson, a soundtrack spot, and trailers. Bottom line: a rather skimpy extras package for an excellent film.] (R. Blackwelder)