Not Talking' in the Rain

Rating: 7/10 (26 December 2012)

As Hollywood makes the transition from silent films to talkies in 1927, a silent star is not able to adapt. Not only does this film cover the same theme as "Singin' in the Rain," but Dujardin looks like Gene Kelly. While nicely crafted and well acted, much of the praise that the film has garnered is due to the gimmick that it looks like a silent film. There's a reason silent films have not been made since talkies emerged. Talking adds an important dimension to films. Without this dimension, this simple film runs out of steam half-way through. Dujardin is expressive, but his character is too aloof and self-centered to elicit much sympathy. Bejo is charming. The dog is adorable.