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Reviews
Restoration (1995)
Disappointing Hugh Grant
I rented this movie because it was produced by Andy Paterson, a physicist who also produced "Hillary and Jackie" and "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (2003). I very much enjoyed the art direction and costumes, but I wonder why they deserved an Oscar and those for "Girl...", which depicts the same year, 1665, did not. I was disturbed by the miscasting of Robert Downey Jr. as a British lead - I usually love his work. Was he cast because he looks like Tom Hulce ("Amadeus")? Another low point in acting was provided by a miscast Hugh Grant as a 17th century English painter. Everything about Hugh makes him too modern to play period pieces. Fortunately, Ian McKellen saved the movie for me, a great thespian in the right role.
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)
Griet's shy smile, Vermeer's piercing eyes
An European film in the best European tradition. Tracy Chevalier's story was uplifted by a talented cast of eminent actors and an intelligent direction. Vermeer's piercing eyes, Griet's shy smile and the celebrated Painting will stay with you long after the film's ending.