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Is it worth $10? Yes
What a beautiful film.
And yes, it’s appropriate to use the term “film” instead of “movie” because “The Artist” truly is a work of art. A beautifully crafted, emotional act of craftsmanship that few filmmakers would dare attempt, and even fewer could pull off.
After all, what crazy fool makes a black and white silent movie in the same year the third “Transformers” opened in 3D? Writer/director Michael Hazanavicius, that’s who; he’s living proof that the ability to use the artistic medium of film to skillfully tell a story is alive and well.
The year is 1927, and Hollywood is on the brink of the transition to sound. Silent film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is on top of the world, even if his wife/co-star Doris (Penelope Ann Miller) isn’t his biggest fan. But after helping young starlet Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) get her big break, George learns from studio boss Al Zimmer (John Goodman) that the industry is switching to talkies.
“It’ll never last,” George thinks, like so many other silent film stars once did. But sound (which includes sound effects, the musical score, etc., in addition to dialog) does of course take over, and George soon finds himself out of grace with Hollywood. Peppy, however, is now a big star, and she wants to return the favor he once did for her.
Given that it’s a style only practiced today by mimes, the silent acting is exceptional. Dujardin is a very charismatic lead who handles George’s ups and down with aplomb, and Bejo has an elegant presence that lights up the screen – don’t be surprised to see these two nominated for actor/supporting actress come Oscar time. The more familiar faces to American audiences – Goodman, Miller, James Cromwell as George’s driver – also fare very well, particularly Goodman, who revels in playing a cigar-chomping exec.
Although Hazanavicius has made a beautiful film highlighted by great performances and a pitch-perfect score by Ludovic Bource, film historians will be quick to point that it’s not an authentic silent film. The musical score wouldn’t be on the soundtrack, for starters – a live organist in theaters accompanied silent films, not a sound system. The visual quality of the film is superior to what was available during the silent era, meaning the picture looks vastly better, and the editing, camera angles, etc. are more sophisticated than in a traditional silent era film. But these are all technical elements that in no way take away from the joyful experience of watching the film.
So why tell “The Artist” as a silent film? Aside from the fact that it fits the time period of the story, it also allows for numerous creative possibilities utilizing a lost art of filmmaking. And if that’s not an interest to you, consider this: The story would have been standard and formulaic as a talkie, with very little that’s new to bring to the table.
The silent format, however, makes it fun, different, unique and special. It is, to borrow from Robert Frost, the road less travelled, and that has made all the difference.
Did you know?
Hazanavicius and Bejo have two children together.
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susaninflorida
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... This movie is an excellent piece of film making. I really enjoyed it. It's a little history of silent movies that is easy to understand and enjoy. |
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