Wednesday, 11 January 2012

The Artist

One of the most special things about seeing a film is when it is as good as everyone says it is...

The Artist is a French film about Hollywood cinema between 1927 and 1932, the era where silent films were in decline and talkie films were emerging.

The story centres around popular silent film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) and Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) who wants to be in the films. After bumping into Valentin at the premiere of one of his films, Miller's picture is printed on the front page of Variety. She decides to audition as an extra for Valentin's next film and after his intervention, is offered a role as a dancer.

Miller then moves up the Hollywood ladder, with her roles becoming more and more prominent. Meanwhile Valentin is finding things more difficult. As studios are refusing to make any more silent films, he decides to self-finance a silent film which opens on the same day as Miller's new film which is in sound. Valentin is financially ruined while Miller becomes the toast of Hollywood.

The story goes on to describes how two key events help bring Miller back into Valentin's life.

This is quite simply one of the most loveliest films I have ever seen. Dujardin is absolutely fantastic and a joy to watch. Bejo is wonderful as Miller and together they have real chemistry. The dog is truly remarkable and although I laughed when people suggested he should be nominated for Best Supporting Actor, I can quite see now why it has been suggested.

John Goodman is brilliant as studio boss Al Zimmer (John Goodman) and James Cromwell is great as Valentin's loyal chauffeur Clifton.

Cinematically, it is a masterpiece; shot in black and white and with fantastic music accompanying the brilliant acting, it is nothing short of stunning.

Verdict: A funny, moving, witty, majestic and beautiful film that, if there is any justice in the world, will win Best Film at every awards ceremony it has been nominated for.

The Artist is now in my top five favourite films of all time. I cannot wait to see it again, in fact if anyone wants to go and see it, let me know.

No comments:

Post a Comment