Low on story, high on charm

Rating: 8/10 (3 March 2012)

I very much enjoyed this movie. If it was an imperfect movie, it was equally as charming. The pacing never seemed to lag and though the story has been told before it was handled in some imaginative new ways.
Though a silent film, some of the scenes were clearly heavily inspired by Welles (the scene when they are watching the first clips of a movie in sound is very reminiscent of the newsreel scene in Kane and the breakfast sequence was an almost shot for shot copy of the dinner scene). I was very enchanted with the complicated relationship between Peppy and George.
Dujardin is a gift to silent film. His easy smile and somewhat Clark Gable-like charm keep George likable even as he spirals into depression, despair and ego-fueled meltdown. Bejo brings an energy and liveliness that is a credit to her. It's easy to see why he would both admire and resent her.
All that said, the story is actually a short one. With different direction and different actors, it would have been a sluggish movie indeed. There comes a point when it seems like they could have put more effort into the characters than just showing George lose more and more to the changing times.
Still, it is made up for by an inspired dream sequence and one thrilling dance number. These were the moments that truly made the film for me. It won't be for everyone, but I'd encourage anyone to give it a try.