Rating of
2.5/4
The Artist Speaks Volumes by Staying Silent
Chris Kavan - wrote on 02/22/12
I can see why this film has earned all the awards and nominations it has this year. It takes a chance on something different and unique and, yes, it succeeds. The Artist does have a lot going for it: it's technically brilliant - I felt like it did a fantastic job of capturing that old Hollywood era - the look, the feel, I really did feel transported back to that time.
Second, the music (since this is a silent film) speaks volumes - it's quiet when it has to be quiet, it can turn thrilling, bombastic, romantic - and it does it at the right times and is superb. Finally, the acting is spot on. Both Jean Dujardin (playing George Valentin, the silent film star whose time is fading) and Bérénice Bejo (playing the awesomely-named Peppy Miller, a newly-minted actress whose star is rising) are really tailor-made for the roles. Without being able to speak, it's all about expression and body language, and they use it superbly. The Supporting cast, including John Goodman and James Cromwell, likewise take their smaller roles and make them work. Even the cute-as-button dog, Uggie, a real scene-stealer if there ever was one, acts better than people in the majority of action films you'll see this year.
The story isn't necessarily original - the times they are a-changin' but our leading man isn't willing to change with them. Strife, loneliness and jealousy ensue as the once hugely popular star finds himself poor and unrecognized as he watches a former co-star shoot to toast of Hollywood. It's a great story, but not one that blew me away. Better was the connection between Valentin and Miller - from their first casual meeting to their big finale, they have this connection that just clicks and is always fun to watch, even when it's heartbreaking.
My biggest issue with the film is that the black & white silent aspect is an obvious ploy to play to the more artsy/critical crowd. I went to this film simply because it is up for so many awards. I guarantee if you asked the average U.S. movie-goer to watch this, they would either have no idea what this movie is about or cringe at the idea of having to sit through nearly an entire movie where nothing is said. This is not a tough sell to the people that hand out awards, however, even more so than The King's Speech, it is a tough sell to people who just go to the movies. I can't imagine simply popping this in for fun and sitting down to watch The Artist. I could see me doing this with many of the other best picture nominees, but this is more of a one-off thing. It has a specific gimmick that will get it remembered, but I can honestly say I don't see people ten-twenty years down the line pointing to this as a defining film of this generation.
I will also say I did feel the film dragged on a bit. The music is great, and the use of light and shadows is fantastic, but I admit I found myself wondering when things were going to end. This is a film that will hold your attention, but at the same time, it's not a film that will keep you completely enthralled the entire time.
My final verdict is this is an interesting concept that does a great job of transporting you back to a different time and place, both through the stars and the style of the film, but in the end, after the initial wonder wears off from this concept, I was left feeling just slightly disappointed in the overall effort. If you're a film fan, you should watch this, but I don't necessarily think it's the magical, amazing film it has been made out to be.
