A fantastic modern film, perfectly capturing the times of silent film.

Rating: 9/10 (25 October 2018)

This was a fantastic film, and almost perfect in every aspect.
Firstly, this film is very well written, even though it is a silent film. With every movement perfectly planned, and every scene looking gorgeous and interesting.
Unlike a lot of Hollywood "product" films, this was purely made from love and passion, and it was very clear throughout the entire film. The set pieces and costume design was absolutely transforming, and captured the world so well.
The character motivations and arcs were very well done too, which I find difficult to find in a lot of cinema I watch. I felt for the characters, and related to the main character a lot, and I could tell exactly what he was going through throughout the whole film, which is beautiful, and highlights the amazing acting.
The character arc of George Valentin is a perfect example of this, because it makes perfect sense why Valentin would be going through this, as the whole business and structure was changing into talkies. Which, illustrated the time in parallel to the character, especially considering everyone around him was surpassing his witty and charismatic talent simply because they were in talkies, and no one wanted him in them, and left him in the dirt.
Symbolism and deeper meanings were also perfectly done as well. The cinematography showed how Valentin and Peppy were growing apart, and she was growing much higher than him, even though she was previously adoring and admiring his talent and fame.
There were two shots in particular, in which the two characters were split, both symmetrical shots beside them, as they were on either sides of the screen, and in the first shot divided by a railing that was perfectly in between them. I have big respect for these shots, because symbolism in films, especially in cinematography is very important and interesting to me.
The symbolism through the dream sequence was also very unique, in which Valentin can't speak, but sound is starting to erupt, as symbolism for him not in talkies, and everything else is prominent in sound.
In conclusion, this film was perfectly constructed with love, and a great homage to cinema in general, and the silent era of film.