VIEWS ON VERMEER 12 SHORT STORIES (Hans Pool, Netherlands). 69 minutes. Some subtitles. Friday (May 7), 7 pm, Cumberland 2 Sunday (May 9), 11:30 am, ROM. Rating: NNN
The great Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer left only a few dozen canvases, and little is known about his life. Perhaps that explains why he’s inspired so much fascination and fandom among artists and admirers. Director Hans Pool takes a look at a dozen instances of how he’s influenced contemporary life and art.
[rssbreak]
As the subtitle implies, Views On Vermeer comes in 12 sections, some more effective than others. One of the most intriguing compares Vermeer’s landscapes of Delft to the New York skyline before and after 9/11. And writer Lawrence Weschler’s claim that Vermeer’s works anticipate cinema and suggest the passage of time is brilliant.
The best commentator on the artist, however, is Alain de Botton, who distills his essence and importance into a few choice lines that are philosophical, funny and accessible.
Required viewing for any Vermeer fan.