Review - The Artist
Let me start out by saying that “The Artist” is a beautifully written love
letter to a by-gone age of film.
Cinema has always loved to look back into its history and throw on the rose colored
glasses. But while many films claim to love the past, few are brave enough to
completely commit to their passion.
Read more after the jump.
The Artist follows the relationship between an actor and an actress during
the transition from silent films to talkies. The silent movie star, George
Valentin, is fading out of the picture, as he was once one of the greatest
actors in a now dying age. Peppy Miller, however, is a rising star as she’s
making an impact on the world as a talking movie star. The film depicts the era
with grace all while giving thanks to the kinds of people and films that paved
the way for the films we watch and enjoy today.
Berenice Bejo was fantastic as the quite literally ‘Peppy’ Miller. Jean
Dujardin on the other hand gave a masterful performance that beautifully pays
homage to the likes of the physical stars that helped create the masterpieces
of the 1920s. The rest of the cast with James Cromwell and John Goodman (as the
film studio’s head) perfectly captured the feel of the silent movie. Emotive,
expressive, but never mugging, it’s an acting lesson throughout.
Michel Hazanavicious’ work behind the lens is astounding. For an hour and
forty minutes, you are pulled into the past and forget that you are almost 100
years into the future. Special notice must be given to Ludovic Bource’s note
perfect music, proving ideal accompaniment for the on-screen exploits. That you
never miss color, voices or widescreen says all you need to know about this
movie’s technical triumphs.
Fascinating, funny and touching, “The Artist” is
a wonderful nod to Hollywood’s past and proves that silence really can be
golden.
5 out of 5 Geegamons!
