Girl with a Pearl Earring is a 2003 film directed by Peter Webber. The story is based in the 1660's and follows a Dutch girl named Griet (Scarlett Johansen). After her father becomes blind, Griet is forced to seek work as a maid in the depressing household of painter Johannes Vermeer (Colin Firth). Griet works with silent dedication but eventually grows closer to Johannes as the two find that they share an interest in painting. She eventually becomes his assistant and the two begin work on Johannes' most famous painting. However, Griet must still endure mistreatment and disrespect from the rest of the family, including Johannes wife. Jealousy flares as Johannes' wife discovers that the painting features Griet. The movie gets its name from the painting by Johannes Vermeer which is also entitled Girl with a Pearl Earring. The film mimics the painting as seen in the bright color schemes and in the quiet contemplative nature of the story.moreless