The Last Vermeer

The Last Vermeer

Year: 2020

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: Dan Friedkin

Drama

Following World War II, a Dutch Resistance fighter and art investigator, Joseph Piller, is tasked with tracking stolen masterpieces. His investigation leads him to Han van Meegeren, a charismatic artist suspected of collaborating with the Nazis by selling them valuable artworks. As Piller explores the situation, he confronts a complex web of deceit and finds himself questioning his own convictions while striving to determine the truth about Van Meegeren’s involvement and clear his name.

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Timeline – The Last Vermeer (2020)

Trace every key event in The Last Vermeer (2020) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Captain Piller's Assignment

In the aftermath of World War II, Captain Joseph Piller is tasked with investigating the enigmatic artist Han van Meegeren. His objective is to uncover the mysterious circumstances surrounding Van Meegeren's recent arrest for selling a painting to Hermann Goering.

Post World War II Netherlands
2

Van Meegeren's Arrest

Han van Meegeren is arrested under accusations of fraud for selling a painting misconstrued as a Vermeer. The arrest, while seemingly simple, begins to unravel deeper complexities as Piller probes into the case.

Shortly after the war Netherlands
3

Piller's Doubts

As Piller delves into the investigation, he grows increasingly suspicious about Alex De Klerks' motives in pursuing Van Meegeren’s case. This unease sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the artist's past.

4

Uncovering Van Meegeren's Dual Existence

Through interrogations, Piller learns that Van Meegeren has led a double life, oscillating between a talented artist and a cunning fraud. His deceitful practices included fabricating lost Vermeer paintings to sustain a lavish lifestyle.

5

The Stakes Rise

With Allied forces preparing to leave the Netherlands, Piller's realization that Van Meegeren may face the death penalty for looting spurs him into action. The pressure mounts as time runs short to clear Van Meegeren’s name.

Post-war Netherlands
6

Minna's Urgent Revelation

Piller's former secretary, Minna, bursts into his home with urgent news about a Vermeer portrait resembling Piller’s love interest, Cootje. This startling connection deepens Piller’s resolve to uncover the truth about Van Meegeren.

Piller's home
7

Discovering the Unfinished Canvas

Piller's curiosity leads him back to an abandoned safehouse, where he uncovers an unfinished canvas by Van Meegeren that resembles a painting confiscated from the Nazis. This discovery fuels Piller's belief in Van Meegeren's innocence.

Safehouse
8

Courtroom Defense

During the court trial, Van Meegeren pleads his case, claiming to have depicted Piller himself on canvas. Despite his passionate defense, the prosecution secures a strong argument leading the judges to impose a severe sentence.

Courtroom
9

A Daring Diversion

In a dramatic turn of events, Piller creates a diversion in the courtroom which allows him to secretly tamper with one of Van Meegeren's paintings. This act of desperation introduces new evidence that challenges the prosecution’s case.

Courtroom
10

Overturning the Verdict

The unexpected reveal of Van Meegeren's signature on a tampered painting leads to immediate disbelief and excitement in the courtroom. Piller’s actions culminate in an overturned verdict, transforming Van Meegeren into a public hero.

Courtroom
11

Confrontation with De Klerks

Following the trial’s outcome, De Klerks confronts Piller with a book written by Van Meegeren dedicated to Adolf Hitler. This revelation adds a troubling layer to the investigation and forces Piller to reevaluate his stance.

De Klerks' location
12

The Final Confrontation

Piller visits Van Meegeren to confront him about the book, but is met with scorn. Disillusioned, Piller walks away, realizing the depth of deception that surrounds the artist and his choices.

Van Meegeren's home
13

Symbolic Purification

In a gesture of cleansing, Piller throws the incriminating book into the flames. This act symbolizes his rejection of the lies that have been woven throughout the investigation and his commitment to seek the truth.

14

Reflections on Betrayal

As the truth unveils, Piller reflects on the betrayal and moral complexities that arose during his investigation. The tumultuous journey illustrates the broader consequences of war on humanity and culture.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:14

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The Last Vermeer Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Last Vermeer

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Last Vermeer

The Last Vermeer Ending Explained

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The Last Vermeer Ending Explained

More About The Last Vermeer

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