The Artist

Aloha. So in honor of the Golden Globe nominations, which came out yesterday http://www.imdb.com/oscars/nominations/golden-globes, I decided to review one of my favorite movies and last year’s Academy Award Best Picture film: The Artist.

Let’s first observe the film industry today. We are surrounded by 3D, remakes, reboots, sequels, and adaptations of books(seriously does every book have to be made into a movie?). In some cases these can produce great movies, but I feel that most are lifeless. It’s like all the writers in Hollywood have run out of ideas! Then comes The Artist.

One word: refreshing. How refreshing to find a film with an original idea. A film with a love story that is actually centered around love! The Artist is in the style of a black-and-white- silent film. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius and starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, the movie focuses on the relationship between a silent film star and a rising young actress in the late 1920’s Hollywood. As silent cinema falls out of action and is replaced by “talkies”, their careers veer in opposite directions.

This was the first silent film I’ve ever seen. Before seeing it in January, I was curious as to how it would all play out. However, the silent aspect of the film brings it all together. Also the cast, above all, are the people who carry this film through from start to finish. Jean Dujardin, oh Jean. I absolutely love saying your name and I absolutely loved you in this film. Not only did you look the part of a dashing actor but your portrayal as the silent movie star, George Valentin, who’s world is turned upside down by the introduction of talking-pictures was excellent.You deserved every karat of gold in that Oscar you won for best actor. One of my favorite scenes in the movie was where Valentin dreams a nightmare where all these everyday sounds are exagerrated (the first sounds the audience actually hears in the film), and he finds that only his own voice is stifled. The scene was just chock full of emotion and was acted out flawlessly. Oh and Bérénice! You were so perfect as Peppy Miller, a peppy girl who slowly rises through the entertainment industry. You portrayed the persona of your character with grace and charm, a true star.  Last but not least, we can’t forget Uggie the dog who was impeccable!

My favorite part of the movie would have to be the climax which definetly packs a bang( heehee double meaning for those who have seen movie). The ending is great too. I wish I could talk about them, but I don’t want to give spoil the movie. I recommend everyone to see it.

ALL IN ALL: The Artist is a refreshing movie that is an absolute pleasure to watch.

movie poster from: http://manilovefilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/The-Artist-Affiche-finale.jpg