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!

The Last Vermeer

A niche art house movie set in Holland immediately after the last war. It was a slow burn of cat and mouse but the central performances and tight script was really quite mesmerising.

Overall this was brilliantly done, the sets were sumptuous and attention to detail was truly astounding, clearly no expense was spared.

Clearly the subject matter will not appeal to everyone, "nerdsville" for forgers lol, but hey I watched it and it held my attention. This is a perfect example of how the 40's need to be portrayed, BBC take note!

I'm going to give this a hard 7, the whole movie rested on Guy Pearce and this much undervalued actor never fails to deliver, a masterclass in characterisation and micro-gestures, and quite a glorious relief from exhausting method style.

The story takes a turn from a wartime story to a court room drama. Both parts equally interest me. I enjoyed it.

It was the two main actors, Claes Bang and Guy Pearce that made this historical film a watchable event. I really enjoyed it. The film is more of a drama/thriller than a bio movie which elevates it a little better than a boring bio feature. There was a touch of humor there and there which lifted the mood a bit which I appreciated throughout the film. A good watch if you are into historical dramas or have a interest in the art world. 7 stars.

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.