Movie reviews: Hollywood and Indie, specializing in independent comedies, dramas, thrillers and romance.
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Artist: Movie Review
The golden hue of black and white silence and old school charm.
The Artist is an artist’s film; a tribute to the golden age of movies. In 1927, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent film star at the height of success. When the studios turn their attention to talkies, George isn’t ready to make the transition. He continues to watch the world in black & white and listen in silence.
2011
Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius
Screenplay by: Michel Hazanavicius
Starring: Jean Dujardin
If you haven’t realized it yet, “The Artist” is a silent, black and white film, and it’s great. Our hero, George Valentin, was created in the vain of the swashbuckling Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. He is funny, charming, charismatic; he can do comedies, dramas, action-adventures; he has a wife, adoring fans, and a dog. The dog is star number 2, capable of playing dead or dancing in step with George.
Jean Dujardin as George Valentin in Michel Hazanavicius's film THE ARTIST.
An adoring fan finds herself absorbing the spotlight after a chance meeting with George. Not only can she keep up with him, but the world is ready to hear the voice of Ms. Peppy Miller. She is not named “Peppy” by accident.
We have a delightful story of love; love of success, love of movies, and love between George and Peppy. Dujardin has a wonderful comedic touch to everything he does in this movie that the simple story line is helped along with a healthy dose of comedy. He turns serious when The Great Depression hits, but “The Artist” keeps chugging along with its original, uplifting score, inventive scenes, and a finale that brings us into the future.
