The Artist is Michel Hazanavicius' homage to the cinema, more specifically silent screen. The film is silent, with several notable exceptions. Jean Dujardin plays George Valentin--a mix between Douglas Fairbanks and John Gilbert with the right touch of lovableness for being an arrogant star--as he falls from grace in a transitioning film industry, and perky young dancer Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) moves into the spotlight. The film lovingly portrays Hollywood in the late 1920s, and is made similar to the films of the time using advanced naturalistic pantomime acting, a melodramatic plot, and mobile camerawork to convey emotion. There were a few moments that felt out of place--for example, the use of the Love Theme from Vertigo during the build to the climax--but ultimately the film was a rewarding experience.
9/10
Good review. For me this is the best of 2011. Such a beautiful film.
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