Exclusive to Palace Nova Cinemas. Now showing.
Review by Geoff Jenke
Claes Bang (The Square) stars as Joeseph Piller in a captivating dramatic thriller set just after World War 2. It is based on an all but forgotten true story about a soldier re-investigating renowned Dutch artist Han van Meegeran, played by Guy Pearce, who is accused of conspiring with the Nazis. Despite mounting evidence, Piller becomes increasingly convinced of Han’s innocence and finds himself in the unlikely position of fighting to save the life of the colourful man with a mysterious past.
Guy Pierce’s performance of the eccentric flamboyant artist is outstanding, although his fellow actors, Claes Bang and Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread) are also wonderful. The setting is Amsterdam and the film beautifully shot in that city, complete with older and sometimes crumbling buildings, reminding us the war has just finished. It is also brutal at times as we witness people who have been suspected of helping the Nazis being dragged out into the street and shot.
The movie moves from Piller being suspicious of Meegeran’s involvement with the Nazis, “I’m a painter” says Meegeran when asked if he is an art dealer, “And of course I take my opportunities when I can”, to starting to believe he may be innocent after all and finally to the court room to determine Meegeran’s fate.
While the movie does twist and turn on occasions, it is a straightforward story that needed to be told. It is Guy Pierce’s performance that ultimately makes it worthwhile.
The Last Vermeer – Season opened.
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