The Artist

I love silent films. The love the look, the music, the acting, everything about them is magical. My all time favourite would have to be Flesh and the Devil starring the one and only Greta Garbo, in my opinion her best performance. I will do a review of that film in due time.

So, naturally, when I first heard about the silent phenomenon that is the Artist, I became extremely excited and couldn't wait for it to come out in cinemas.

Director:Michael Hazanavicius
Producer: Thomas Langmann
Writer: Michael Hazanavicius

Jean Dujardin as George Valentin
Berenice Bejo as Peppy Miller
John Goodman as Al Zimmer
James Cromwell as Clifton

The first thing that I loved about this film was when I was sitting in the theatre I forgot it was 2012... And began to imagine myself in 1929... Ugh It was bliss! Im so in love with the eras what were in the 20th century, particularly the 20's through 50's. That atmosphere is such a hard thing so come by these days.

The film portrays the beginning of the end for silent films, and the introduction of talkies, which put a lot of silent film actors out of work. George Valentin is one of those actors, follows the demise of his once flourishing career. On the opposite, Peppy Millers rise to fame is quick and lucrative, which is mostly owed to Valentine. Dujardin  and Bejo have a chemistry that grasps you the very second you see them in screen together. They recreate the acting techniques and looks of that era perfectly. I also loved the cameo appearance of Malcolm McDowell, one of my favourite actors. The little dog was freakin adorable!! I'm not going to say to much on this, dear readers, I believe you should see that cuteness for yourself.  At 100 minutes in length, some people might be a little sceptical as to the "draw and hold" effect, (A film that draws you in and holds you there until the end credits) considering most people are not accustomed  to silent films, do not worry people, this film is a beautiful story that will keep your eyes glued to the screen the entire time, there is no time to be bored, you will be mesmerised!

Another thing that I was a little worried about was.. I was a little scared that the acting would seem that of a parody, its so easy to make fun of the acting in that time, There was no sense of over-the-top mimicry here. The acting, while affective, was still subtle enough not to look ridiculous.

The lovely climax of the movie showed Dujardin and Bejo's undeniable talent, a  beautiful and lively charleston-esque dance scene, Brilliant!! I'm so glad the film won the oscars it did, Dujardin is brilliant at his craft, it's lovely to that acknowledged. Please readers, I beg you, SEE THIS FILM!!!

I'm giving this film the 5 stars it deserves.