Silence is golden

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2012)

When I first saw the trailer for The Artist, it convinced me to go see the film. I didn't know it was a "silent" movie. I only found that out later. Then I became more intrigued. How would they pull this off without losing the audience? As I sat down in the cinema, nothing could prepare me for this wonderful movie. I don't make a habit of watching dramas. A trip to the pictures is too expensive for me, so I only go to see something special. And this was it. Beautifully directed, with a smart and inventive script, and mesmerizing performances from the elegant and very funny cast. But as if that wasn't enough, something else happened inside that cinema. Something magical. People stopped tapping and rustling and talking and... listened. It was the first time I have ever heard a cinema so silent. This film is genuinely affecting. Funny, moving, sad, joyous. And a little tap dancing thrown in for good measure! So my thanks to the filmmakers for such a great evening. And for those of you who aren't sure... go see it for yourself!