Tim's Vermeer
Tim's Vermeer

Movie spotlight

Tim's Vermeer

2013
Movie
80 min
English

Tim Jenison, a Texas based inventor, attempts to solve one of the greatest mysteries in all art: How did Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer manage to paint so photo-realistically 150 years before the invention of photography? Spanning a decade, Jenison's adventure takes him to Holland, on a pilgrimage to the North coast of Yorkshire to meet artista David Hockney, and eventually even to Buckingham Palace. The epic research project Jenison embarques on is as extraordinary as what he discovers.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes76%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users74%
Director: Cosmo BjorkholmGenres: Documentary, Art

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles illusionist and inventor Tim Jenison's obsessive quest to uncover the secrets behind the astonishingly realistic paintings of 17th-century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Jenison believes Vermeer used a system of optical devices, specifically mirrors and lenses, to achieve his precise depictions of light and perspective. The film follows his meticulous and often frustrating journey as he attempts to replicate Vermeer's techniques and create his own masterpiece.

Critical Reception

Tim's Vermeer was generally well-received by critics, who praised its unique premise, Jenison's earnest dedication, and its exploration of art, science, and perception. Some found the execution a bit lengthy, but the overall concept was intriguing. Audiences were also drawn to the unusual nature of the documentary and the intellectual puzzle it presented.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its fascinating and unique premise exploring art and science.

  • Commended Tim Jenison's dedication and the film's visual style.

  • Some critics found the pacing occasionally slow but appreciated the intellectual curiosity.

Google audience: Audiences found the documentary intellectually stimulating and enjoyed the unique approach to understanding an artistic mystery. Many appreciated the dedication shown by Tim Jenison in his quest to replicate Vermeer's methods.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

Fun Fact

Tim Jenison, the subject of the documentary, is also known for his work in computer graphics and founded the company NewTek, which developed the groundbreaking Video Toaster.

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