Girl with a Pearl Earring

"A work of lightweight conjecture."

"An earnest, obvious melodrama with no soul..."

"Even if Girl With a Pearl Earring is not nearly as remarkable dramatically as it is visually, it is, finally, a film of great beauty, and that is something worth appreciating."

"As the imaginary historical subject, Johansson holds her frequent close-ups with considerable authority."

"(Johansson) gives a nearly silent performance, yet the interplay on her face of fear, ignorance, curiosity, and sex is intensely dramatic."

"Like stepping inside a Vermeer painting. The light, color and composition are eerily perfect."

"A rich gem expertly told in a surprisingly scant 95 minutes."

"Go to the museum instead."

"It would be hard to overpraise Johansson - who could hardly look more perfect for the part - for her extraordinary ability to convey so much emotion with so few words."

"Doesn't cook up melodrama and romantic intrigue but tells a story that's content with its simplicity."