Brush With Fate

Brush with Fate is a remarkable film from 2003, directed by Brent Shields and based on the novel Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Glenn Close, and Thomas Gibson in leading roles and explores a unique blend of mystery, romance, and history. The story is centered around a mysterious artwork, and it unravels elegantly against a backdrop of centuries, inviting the audience into a captivating journey across time.

Ellen Burstyn plays the role of elderly art teacher Cornelia Englehardt, residing in a somewhat run-down estate that harbors an unusual secret - a painting hidden away in the attic. While not an art connoisseur herself, Cornelia inherited the belief that the artwork is a lost masterpiece by the iconic Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer.

Thomas Gibson stars as Richard, a new-to-the-job art teacher at the school where Cornelia once taught. Richard’s first brush with the elusive Vermeer comes when Cornelia, fond of his dedication to art, introduces him to the painting. Intrigued and mesmerized, Richard forms a connection to the painting and Cornelia while becoming obsessed with proving the painting's authenticity.

Academy Award winner Glenn Close stars as Cornelia's housekeeper Dina. Though initially dismissive of the painting and its purported value, Dina becomes drawn into the unfolding drama, revealing her own rich character depth as the storyline advances.

The movie transitions expertly between different time periods. As Richard delves deeper into the painting's history, viewers are transported back in time, witnessing the expanse of the painting's life from its creation to its secret place in Cornelia's attic in the present day. Through these transitions, the filmmakers explore themes like passion, tragedy, love, and mystery that contributed to the painting's narrative. These episodes add intrigue to the overall storyline and allow each era, from 17th Century Delft to the WWII era to the modern-day, to breathe life into the artwork and the characters.

The movie depicts how various owners interact with it across history. Each owner imparts to and takes something from the painting. Brush with Fate showcases how art transcends time and space, impacting the lives of the people who encounter it. It powerfully portrays how an artifact can carry emotional weight and personal history, contributing to its overall significance.

The movie’s title, Brush with Fate, is itself an apt metaphor as it brilliantly captures the trajectory of an artwork and the lives it has touched. Just like a painting subtly shaped with each stroke of the brush, each character’s interaction with the painting brings new dimensions to the artwork's story. Each individual who encounters the painting has their own 'brush with fate,' underscoring the narrative's fluidity.

Brush with Fate stands out as one of the few films that seamlessly blend historical facts, art, and narrative intrigue. It skilfully incorporates accurate art history references into a storyline framed by engaging characters and evolving relationships. Moreover, the filmmakers remarkably recreate the golden hues and idyllic imagery characteristic of Vermeer's art, providing a feast for the viewer's eyes.

Ellen Burstyn's performance is touching, as she convincingly portrays an elderly woman retaining a strong connection to her past. Glenn Close showcases versatility in a role that defies her usual characters, lending humanity and warmth to the housekeeper Dina. Thomas Gibson brings to life the passion and determination of Richard, making the audience root for his pursuit of the painting's truth.

In conclusion, Brush with Fate is a captivating movie that will touch art admirers and lovers of historical drama alike. The film engages the audience with its riveting narrative that transcends time and presents a beautifully layered tale about the power of art and its impact on people's lives. Whether or not one is familiar with Vermeer, Burstyn, Close, and Gibson's stellar performances will leave an impression, making Brush with Fate a must-watch.