Silence Is Golden

  

From Don't Touch the Watch: a review of The Artist, 

my movie-going highlight of the past few weeks.

  

The Artist is a delightful throwback to the golden age of Hollywood that dares to go silent.

 
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Writer: Michel Hazanavicius
Stars: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman & 'Uggie'

French director Michel Hazanavicius captures the plight of a silent movie star as he goes from hero to zero with marvelously inventive zeal. Turning sound into an invading villain that torments the put-upon star, his world slowly erodes around him, with the advent of 'talkies'.

 

  

Opening in Hollywood 1927, we meet the dashing movie actor, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), who is at the packed premiere of his latest film, A Russian Affair. Outside, while having his picture taken, a young autograph hunter, Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), accidentally stumbles across his path. To put the girl at ease, George poses for a few pictures with her, much to the delight of the numerous surrounding photographers.

The following morning, these very pictures of George and Peppy have been splashed all over the front page of the newspapers, complete with the headline 'Who's That Girl?'- much to the disgust of George’s wife. Later, newly established celebrity Peppy goes to Kinograph Studios, where she wins a part as a dancer in George's new picture. Receiving a helpful tip from George, Peppy slowly becomes one of the most sought after actresses in Hollywood.

  

 

The most unique and talked about aspect of the film is that it features almost no dialogue, just like a true silent film. It's even projected in the smaller, black and white aspect ratio commonly used in the 'golden era'. This adherence to silent film-making may seem like a risky venture, but it's exactly this level of detail that makes the film work. Apparently they do make them like they used to.
 

 

Although it's a very nostalgic film, The Artist still manages to seem fresh, with all the actors giving thoroughly entertaining silent performances. Unfortunately for them, a little dog named 'Uggie' steals the entire movie.

Sum it up: Director Hazanavicius took a great risk in shooting The Artist almost entirely without sound. Thankfully, he knows the silent movie genre inside out, and he makes this arduous task seem like a breeze. A delightful night at the cinema that makes you think, laugh and most importantly, care.

Rating: 4 Stars