The Last Vermeer

It's a good effort by all, especially guy Pearce and Claes Bang. It had a proper period feel and told a little known story. It is based on a true story, although some of the facts differ from the film. Definitely worth watching and learning something new. Prepare to google the true story after, the details add more layers and depth that made me appreciate the film more. I wish some of these details were incorporated. IMDB has it right- almost a 7/10!

As a docudrama, this isn't very good. The characters are not well developed, verge too close on stereotypes, and are not interesting. (The acting and the cinematography are fine.) Had this been made as a documentary about the Dutch artist who forged all these paintings, I think it would have been more interesting. As it is, the movie lacks focus. During much of it, the theme seems to be that value in art is determined arbitrarily by critics, who cannot see real talent half the time. But then at the end, the focus shifts to how we can judge those who lived through the war, and suggests that we cannot, so that it is better just to have sex with them. Rather than sit through this, I'd recommend tracking down the book on which it is based and reading that instead. I still have no idea why the Dutch would have seen this man as a hero.

Deserving of a better rating. A must see movie. I don't do very many reviews but this movie is worth taking the time. Especially if you like true stories.

After the war, Hermann Göring's stash of stolen art is found. Among them is a Vermeer painting titled Christ and the Adulteress. Joseph Piller investigates how it ended up there. The Dutch Jew was a tailor before the war. He joined the resistance and is now a Canadian Captain in the Allied Command. He traces the painting back to uncooperative art dealer Han Van Meegeren (Guy Pearce). The Allies are slowly being replaced by the Dutch government and Piller has to solve the mystery before losing his case. I don't know anything about the history which is part of the point of the movie. It's rare to be completely surprised these days but this one takes an unexpected turn. It's a fine crime drama and mystery for the first half. I did find Van Meegeren's reticent somewhat repetitive until the reveal changes it all. I was expecting a vast conspiracy but this has something on a more human level from everybody like Piller's wife and Dirk Hannema. It's a fascinating true story.

It's a good effort by all, especially guy Pearce and Claes Bang. It had a proper period feel and told a little known story. It is based on a true story, although some of the facts differ from the film. Definitely worth watching and learning something new. Prepare to google the true story after, the details add more layers and depth that made me appreciate the film more. I wish some of these details were incorporated. IMDB has it right- almost a 7/10!