flawed but O.K.

Rating: 3/10 (20 December 2011)

It's a wonderful period piece but if you're going to take on a genre that includes the history of a particular medium...you better know your stuff. or at least hire people who do. i'm no expert, mind you but even i noticed flaws in the art direction. you rarely see silent films or even films made in the 40's & 50's where decorators used shades on sconces & chandeliers. also in the climax of the film when the 2 leads are tap dancing...you only hear the tapping of one dancer! a HUGE mistake...HUGE. it's an amateur who made that decision...hoping no one will notice. another moment that ripped me from the illusion of the period was: you never saw a married couple in bed together even before the code. if you're going to make a "silent film" and base it on the silent films of the late 20's and early 30's...do your homework. i also thought the ending was contrived and naive.
AND the only African American representations in the film are a zulu tribe! please...there were many, MANY African American ACTORS who contributed greatly.
BUT still go see it, at least he tried!!!