Love Letter to Silent Cinema

Rating: Null/10 (26 August 2012)

Now this is a masterpiece. Surprising to say since its a modern black and white movie without sound. Most modern movie audiences would be put off by movies like this but what makes this work is the simplicity in its story and how it pays homage to the nearly forgotten film style of silent filmmaking. This is more or less love letter to hardcore fans of cinema and serves as a reminder to why we watch movies in the first place.
The story is the simple but classic story of out with the old and in with the new. Its the late 1920s and the era of silent films comes to a close with the advent new style of film called the "Talkie" and a silent movie star faces the end of his career when he cant adapt to the new form of art.
French actor Jean Dujardin gives a fantastic performance without speaking a single word. Most acting nowadays doesn't involve emoting but Jean proves that acting can still be powerful without talking. His co star Berenice Bejo does just as great, not to mention shes beautiful as Peppy Miller who becomes a talkie movie star.
The camera-work is fantastic old school and really looks like that it was filmed in the 1920s. The set design, costumes and cars all feel authentic to the time period making this a period piece. The music is just great and very emotional at times just matching the feel of every scene.
I highly recommend this film to anybody who loves cinema. Just go into this with an open mind and don't be discouraged because its silent and black and white. Id say that this film is worthy of owning but thats me. 10 out of 10 stars