Girl With A Pearl Earring caps a year that found it's lead actress Scarlett Johansson pretty much the "it" girl of 2003. Not only was she praised for her outstanding work in Sofia Coppola's subtle and surreal Lost in Translation, but she also garnered strong word of mouth for her turn in Girl With A Pearl Earring in which the majority of her screen-time required very little dialogue.

This exquisite period drama (set in 17th century Holland) based on the book of the same name, attempts to imagine a back story that results in the original inspiration for Johannes Vermeer's famed painting, by examining the tough life of the young, poor housemaid who posed for it.

The Girl With A Pearl Earring is intimate and almost sexual in it's depiction of an artist and she who inspires him, but it gets it's point across without the use of any overt sexuality.

I've seen several films that delved into the psychological profiles of artists (i.e. Pollock and Frida), and I wouldn't call this movie one of the better examinations. But then, I guess it could be argued that this story is more about Griet (Johannson) than it is Vermeer.

The Girl WIth A Pearl Earring is a beautiful picture to look at but, sadly, it lacks depth and insight into who these people actually are. Johansson is an absolute treasure and her ability to perform through actions rather than words is the centerpiece of this film. It is easy to see how this woman became a muse to Vermeer. Certainly, Johansson lends a complexity to this role simply through the subtle nuances of facial expression.

Colin Firth is intense as Vermeer, even though he is essentially working with what is an underwritten part. Still, he makes us believe that he is a man who is passionate when it comes to doing what he does best. Tom Wilkinson is perfectly creepy as Van Ruijven, one of Vermeer's chief patrons. From the moment he appears on screen, we know he is a man capable of monstrous actions. I also really enjoyed Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later) as a butcher's son who seeks Griet's affection, although the part is far too small. He really only serves one purpose, and I won't reveal it in this review.

As I stated, The Girl With Pearl Earring is sensuous film experience. It's Musical Score, Cinematography and Costume Design Oscar Nominations are well deserved. Unfortunately, the movie is not nearly as compelling as some would have you believe. While a film doesn't have to move like a freight train to be exciting, it does need to spark one's interest, and this movie didn't always spark mine.

Watching Johansson and Firth work their magic was a joy, but I only wish the writing here was a little deeper. I really wanted more depth and development. In terms of story, my favorite aspect of Girl With A Pearl Earring was watching Johansson's Griet make a big decision for herself towards the end of the picture, before it was made for her. After being told what to do for most of her life, it was nice to see her make a choice for herself.

Much like Cold Mountain, Girl With A Pearl Earring was unable to get across enough emotional punch. I liked the movie but I didn't love it.