Brush With Fate

Based on the Bestselling book by Susan Vreeland, this is an excellent portrayal of the historical passing of an unknown and unseen painting by a famous artist. The author brought the painting's path to life by depicting the owners through centuries of time. 'Girl in Hyacinth Blue' was a finalist for Book Sense Book of the Year in 1999. It has become part of the curriculum for many schools and universities. I was privledged to meet the author, Susan Vreeland, and saw this film as a private theater viewing during a literary festival in Dahlonega, Georgia. Vreeland's novels have been translated into 25 languages. In Brush with Fate, the woman who lost the bid for the painting when it was up for auction was 'Magdalena', the girl in the painting and daughter of Vermeer, but now grown and poor. She wished to buy it back, but could not afford it. This is evident in the hard version, but Hallmark edited some scripting to allow for time. Also edited were scenes of the illicit affair to make it more for family viewing. The film was shot entirely in the Netherlands. Although Vermeer was an actual painter, he only painted about 40 canvases. Magdalena was not one of the them, but rather a figment of the author's imagination, and depicted extremely well in the film version. It shows the influence of art upon those who appreciate art. Vreeland focuses on bringing art to life through its alleged history. Her inspiration came after viewing artifacts in a museum and wondering how many hands and lives it went through to get to its current place. According to Vreeland, it was actress Glenn Close who suggested the near-sighted Cornelia to be the eccentric woman she portrayed. In the original book, Cornelia was 'Cornelius', but when the movie was made the producer could not find a suitable man to play the part, thus it was changed to be played by Close. I thought this movie was superb. Excellent cast, excellent script. The author was present and got a standing ovation, after which she took questions and answers. Worthy of purchase. I bought the book. Gail Gupton, author The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment and Seekers of Truth

No subtitle on the disk, not good for hearing problem person ; sure be correct it.

I didn't actually watch my purchase due to it was damaged, but am giving the company five stars for their very prompt refund.... however, I ended up watching the movie later at a friend's, and really enjoyed the movie as well... I love well done historical fiction and this definitely is full of interest.

This was a very good movie, the only thing is, is that you have to watch it twice to really get an understanding on the sequence of where and to whom the painting was passed down. Those sequences can be a bit confusing if your not paying attention. Glenn Close gives a wonderful performance as the spinster Professor with a secret. The twist at the end of the movie took me by surprise. A very informative and educational film on one of the works of Vermeer and what could have possible happened to some of the greatest masterpieces we may never see. I highly recommend this movie to history buffs, art lovers and anyone who likes movies with a bit of a twist at the end.

This DVD was purchased because I had borrowed it from the library and decided it was one I will want to watch again and again. The historical story timeline is intriguing and makes one wonder about the paths many works of art take before they reach their present destination. Love this story.

I like this movie very much but the description of the product and the sent DVD are different. There are no English subtitles?

this movie is very disturbing. there is graphic violence that is unnecessary. we turned it off half way through. no redemptive value whatsoever.

Highly recommend this movie! really have to pay attention and follow along the trail of this beautiful painting! Several great stories rolled into one fascinating movie!

Starts unbearably messy. But once they get to Europe it works.

Sconosciuto a gran parte delle persone, è un film che non dovrebbe mancare nelle collezioni dei film d'autore, Semplicemente fantastico, tante storie che si intrecciano nei vari decenni, il quadro della donna in blu dipinto presumibilmente da Vermeer che lascia semplicemente senza fiato. Da vedere e da possedere assolutamente.

Ein interesannter Film über die Geschichte von eine Malerei von Jan Vermeer. Glenn Close war spektakuläre als Darstellerin in diese Film. Die Landschaft in Holland war sehr schön. Jemand die hat ein Interesse in Kunst wird diese Film geniessen.

Histoire interessante, dommage, que l'on ne voit pas assez Thomas, on aurait aimé, qu'il fasse partie de l'histoire de se tableau. Mais finalement, quand on connait la fin du film.....On préfère garder en nous le Thomas au grand coeur, que l'on aime.

A good film, slow but thoughtful and thought provoking. We mainly bought it because Kieran Bew (Adrian Kuypers) is a relative of mine.