Guy Pearce has created his most eccentric character and enjoyable performance as Han van Meegeren, a Dutch artist who’s accused of selling art treasures to Nazis. When the titular painting is recovered, it’s up to a Dutch Jew (Claes Bang) to determine the artwork’s origin and Meegeren’s guilt. This film presents an interesting look at Amsterdam right after World War II, when collaborators were literally being shot in the street. The investigation unfolds in typical political/historical style with intelligent dialogue, inevitable setbacks, compelling performances and, as would only be expected, luminous Vermeer-inspired cinematography. It’s made even more fascinating by the fact this is based on a real character and his true story.
(3.5 / 5)