THE LAST VERMEER – “Shines brightest when Guy Pearce is on-screen”

The-Last-Vermeer

RATING

DIRECTOR

Dan Friedkin

STARRING

  • Guy Pearce as Han van Meergren
  • Claes Bang as Captain Joseph Piller
  • Vicky Krieps as Minna Holberg
  • Roland Møller as Esper Vesser
  • August Diehl as Alex De Klerks
  • Olivia Grant as Cootje Henning

SYNOPSIS

Is based on the 2008 book The Man Who Made Vermeers by Jonathan Lopez. 

A soldier investigates a renowned Dutch artist who is accused of conspiring with the Nazis.

REVIEW SUMMARY

The Last Vermeer, a true to life post-World War II story centred on art and fabrication, is a mostly entertaining dramatic mystery that shines brightest when Guy Pearce is on-screen. In fact, Pearce’s flamboyant and cunning portrayal of Han van Meergren (check out those marvelous eyebrows!) is by far the film’s highlight. Here, the actor proves to be quite the accomplished chameleon, effortlessly charming his way from scene to scene in nearly unrecognizable flair. And while this performance is perhaps reason enough to watch, the film’s direction is also silky smooth, not to mention the wonderful (albeit drab) production design. But alas, the plot is a little too paint-by-numbers - even with all the little “twists.” And while it remains interesting until the end (even when switching to the courtroom), it just never adds up to the grand masterpiece it could have been. It’s just all played a little too safe to really resonate. At least we have Guy Pearce’s eyebrows to look at…

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