While cleaning the house, Griet strikes up an unlikely friendship with Vermeer, which both agree to keep secret for fear of provoking the painter's jealous wife, Catharina (Essie Davis). When wealthy patron Van Ruijven (Tom Wilkinson) begins to lust after Griet, and commissions a painting of her, Vermeer and Griet are obliged to spend long hours alone together. So ambitious, and intriguing, and beautiful, you will find yourself immobile in front of its canvas, drinking in the details.
UK 2003 Peter Webber 100m