Girl with a Pearl Earring is a 2003 film directed by Peter Webber. The film's plot is an imagined story inspired by Johannes Vermeer's painting of the same name and follows the life of the young maid Griet and her relationship with the artist. 

Plot

The story is set in the 17th century in the Netherlands and follows Griet (played by Scarlett Johansson), a young woman from a poor family who becomes a maid in the household of the painter Johannes Vermeer (played by Colin Firth). Vermeer is known for his extraordinary paintings, but his family is struggling financially.

Griet starts working in Vermeer's household and takes care of cleaning and maintaining the house. Over time, she develops a special relationship with Vermeer, who involves her in his artistic world. Griet becomes the subject of one of Vermeer's most famous paintings, "Girl with a Pearl Earring," but this situation creates tensions with Vermeer's wife, Catharina (played by Essie Davis).

The film explores power dynamics, art, and passion as Griet finds herself at the center of a complex web of relationships. Her relationship with Vermeer and her role in the artist's work irrevocably change her life.

Director: Peter Webber

Writer: Olivia Hetreed (based on the novel by Tracy Chevalier)

Producers: Andy Paterson, Anand Tucker

Music: Alexandre Desplat

Main Cast:

Scarlett Johansson as Griet

Colin Firth as Johannes Vermeer

Tom Wilkinson as Pieter van Ruijven

Judy Parfitt as Maria Thins

Cillian Murphy as Pieter

Essie Davis as Catharina Vermeer

Major Awards:

The film received positive reviews from critics but did not win major Oscars or Golden Globe awards.

Box Office Gross: The film grossed approximately $31 million worldwide.

Critical Reception: Girl with a Pearl Earring received positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its visual aesthetics and its ability to capture the atmosphere of 17th-century Netherlands. The performances of Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth were lauded, as was Alexandre Desplat's musical score. The film was seen as a captivating portrait of artistic creation and the dynamics between the artist Johannes Vermeer and the young servant Griet. However, some critics found the plot to be somewhat slow. Overall, the film was considered an intriguing reflection on painting and beauty.