Interview: "Colin Firth: this complex actor studies the quirks of life" by Graham Fuller (Looksmart Highschool))

Well, he does in a way. Whereas Van Ruijven [Vermeer's patron, played by Tom Wilkinson] would've violated her physically and traumatized her that way, Vermeer goes much deeper and has a much more lasting effect on her. There is a cruelty in his relationship with her. It was more noticeable in scenes where I was less patient with her, and more unpredictable and capricious, but those had to be cut. I had to take a breath after the scene where I pierce Griet's ear and walk away from her. Without needing to go into the symbolism of what the piercing means, it's clear he's finally got what he wants. She's made a sacrifice, he's drawn blood, she's become the painting he wants--and she's gone through God knows how many barriers to achieve that for him--and he's given her nothing. She thinks he might kiss her, but he just goes back to the easel. Instead of breaking down in tears as a lesser actress would've done in a bid for an award nomination, Scarlett struggled with her emotions, swallowed them, and came back again to her dignity. It was fantastic to watch.....more