A silence so loud
You're sure that you hear
What eyes comprehend
June: How about we see The Artist?
Me: Ummm...Isn't that in black and white?
This is a conversation that has possibly been happening ever since the Academy Award Best Picture nominees were announced.
The Artist is one of the movies you've heard little of, and the fact that it is in black and white is a huge deterrent to many modern day movie-goers. But if you think that's bad, there's another reason why you haven't heard much about this movie: there's nothing to hear. That's right, The Artist is a silent film. Upon discovering this, I won't lie to you: I became excited. It was suddenly more than just a black and white art project, it was an homage to an art form that I (and the rest of the world) deemed obsolete. Someone was trying to prove us wrong. So, I had to see it.
This movie, in a very loose manner, remind me of Once. Once was an indie musical about the creation and production of indie music. The Artist is a silent movie about silent movies. The film is set in the late 1920's in both pre-and post-depression era America. The story follows the quickly failing career of a famous silent actor named George Valentin (played by Jean Dujardin) and the up-and-coming career of "talkie" actress Peppy Miller (played by Berenice Bejo). Their lives intersect time and again, and they wordlessly fall in love at what are the lowest and highest points of their lives, respectively.
It's a movie about losing your voice and finding it again, all without a single utterance.
To be frank: I thought I would hate it, but it was quite excellent. The acting is superb, and you fall in love (completely) with the three main characters (in no particular order):
George Valentin - Jean Dujardin in this movie is the very definition of dashing*. I was besotted (that's right...flat out smitten) with his grin, and his slicked down hair. The way he carried himself, and the way he gave himself over to this part was just mesmerizing. He had me at the pantomimed "hello."
The Dog - Apparently this dog is famous! I guess he was also in Water for Elephants, but this canine should be up for best actor in a supporting role. He steals the show on a number of occasions.
Peppy Miller - Like her male counterpart, Berenice Bejo blows you away with how explicitly she falls in love. I've never heard body language speak so loudly. She's not conventional beautiful, but you are taken with her, and if Dujardin is dashing, then Bejo is simply adorable**.
Get over your instant dismissal of black and white films, and forget everything you think you know about silent films. You will be thoroughly entertained. I promise.
*elegant and gallant in appearance and manner
**you know what adorable means
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