Berenice Bejo, the star shown above, is the standout in this very unusual, and very laudable, film. She charms her way into the viewer's heart. She even tap dances like a pro. I'm guessing we'll be seeing a lot more of her. The French love their cutesy actress, witness Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Bejart, and Audrey Tautou.
What's the film about? Essentially, it's a silent that pays homage to the old silent films of the 1920's. Personally, I've never been a fan of silents. I've found the big eyes and exaggerated grimaces way too annoying to get into the genre. Fellow film critics tend to laud the old Chaplin films: I have never seen one in its entirety.
So, given this basic dislike of the silents, it would take quite an amazing silent film to please me. And please me The Artist does! Wow! What a wonderful piece of filmmaking! Of course, with 21st Century 20/20 hindsight, it's not too hard to improve on the original genre. And it does not hurt to have modern cameras "create" the old effect.
The storyline is simple, and I can mention it without giving away anything of substance: An idol in his late 30's, who resembles Douglas Fairbanks to a T, is a great star of the 20's. Will he continue his success in the 30's? A young fan, pretty, delightful, Berenice Bejo, enters Hollywood in a most unlikely way by his side. The two fall in love. Can their love sustain the ups and downs of Hollywood?
There's more, of course, but I won't be a spoiler.
I would divide the film into two parts. The first part is so charming and witty that you wonder if you've ever seen a more adorable, upbeat film. Part two is more dour, quite long, and sort of spoils the mood of the first half.
Overall, what an original, heartwarming piece of filmmaking!
Grade of A+++! RUN out and see this one!
One of the best films I seen. A silent film about the silent film industry. John Goodman is a great role player. A must see.
ReplyDeleteGlanced at your overall grade, but avoiding your details, as I plan to see this. It does look very clever. If I see this, will you go see Hugo?
ReplyDeleteHahah...yes indeed, I'll see Hugo if you see The Artist! My grade of A+ still stands in my mind. If you glossed over my comments, let me just say this (NOT a spoiler, so read on): I had a very different opinion of the first and second halves of the movie. Let me know if you agree once you've seen it. As for PHB, that would be my bro Pete: I agree, Pete, that Goodman was oustanding. Perhaps his finest work.
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