You can email me at: ryantgee_rtg@yahoo.com
2011.
2010.
2009.
Other.
The Artist - Movie Review
Grade: B+
Director Michel Hazanavicius’s The Artist exhibits that the influence of the golden age and silent era of film still bides in the minds of contemporary film makers. This silent romance easily blends a film that is part Chaplin, and arguably, part Singing In The Rain. With what what seems like an endeavor - bringing a dated genre to a modern generation - the film effortlessly albeit predictably creates a crowd pleasing experience and ultimately a nostalgic homage to an understated era in film.
Set in the time lapse of 1927 to 1932, the film’s historical backdrop is the era of pop culture in which cinema was transitioning from the silent genre to the golden age film - otherwise known as “talkies,” where motion pictures were synchronized with sound. Hazanivicius’s character is George Valentin (played by Cannes winner Jean Dujardin), who we meet at the height of his career, the last year of silent cinema. From the opening moments in which we meet Valentin at his final black-tie premiere, it seems as if this character matches the stereotypical persona of arrogance in Hollywood; But even from his shameless showoff theatrics on stage, it is fully established that he is a star of his art. At this time, he meets Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), an aspiring actress whose Ingrid Berman-like natural charm is undoubtedly the antithesis of Valentin’s arrogant persona. When Valentin spontaneously gives her a break in Hollywood, “talkies” arrive, and the film focuses on the decline of Valentin’s career and the rise of Miller’s.
Rather than focusing on the change in the technical aspects of cinema - the film is almost entirely silent and shot in black and white - The Artist is a character study on an individual who realizes his unimportance, and deals with a pain of obsolescence. Overall, the premise is very predictable and simple at best as it is not quite the most challenging piece that other Oscar-contenders display (perhaps that’s what creates the nostalgic feel). But overall, the achievement that Hazanavicius gains with The Artist is that the film crafts a true emotional experience that gains a heartfelt aspect even with its “dated” technical value. Silent film is, currently, an era of film only appreciated in the world of cinephelia and enthusiasts. But even at this, The Artist, perhaps at a mainstream 
level, successfully boasts true connection to the characters within the film, even if we cannot hear them talk.
Even if The Artist, premise-wise, is not the most challenging work, its main highlight is its visual treat that it offers. Even if seems as if it attempts to appeal to a wider audience, this silent romance was made, and is intended for enthusiasts of film. Projected in black and white, and even accurately shot in a 4:3 ratio, The Artist is accurate as one can be in emulation. The score truly captures the world, and not to mention the ensemble’s performances go beyond the expected “puppets” of silent film, where the actors both amazingly word their lines with charm. Overall, The Artist - even with its overly simple storytelling - is an amusing piece of work that will please film lovers and casual viewers alike. Many will view a silent film as a challenge to sit through, but the enchanting nature that The Artist offers, results in a nostalgic and visual treat that should not be missed.
Grade: B+
