Movie that wants to entertain rather than question, educate or explore. In order to do so it deviates rather sharply from the truth. Now this is a strange choice, given the fact that it treats one of the most striking and bizarre criminal cases in Dutch (art) history. As a result one would suppose that the material writes itself. But I suppose that the makers of the movie were looking for a way in which to add large dollops of sex and romantic passion.
So you do get large dollops of sex and passion, complete with a Mysterious Muse, but you will have to provide your own questions (and answers) with regard to deeper themes such as the relationship between art and power, the construction of national identity through art, the limits of critical judgment, the influence of fashion on our capability to recognize beauty, and so on.
However, the movie, superficial as it is, DOES entertain. The locations and costumes are superb and the various actors do their best. Moreover, it will kindle many a dark emotion in the heart of artists (or would-be artists) who dream of taking revenge on critics, editors, managers or public.
So you do get large dollops of sex and passion, complete with a Mysterious Muse, but you will have to provide your own questions (and answers) with regard to deeper themes such as the relationship between art and power, the construction of national identity through art, the limits of critical judgment, the influence of fashion on our capability to recognize beauty, and so on.
However, the movie, superficial as it is, DOES entertain. The locations and costumes are superb and the various actors do their best. Moreover, it will kindle many a dark emotion in the heart of artists (or would-be artists) who dream of taking revenge on critics, editors, managers or public.