One of the years best, most charming films, a total gem

Rating: 10/10 (22 November 2011)

The Academy of Motion Pictures ran a film series (here in L.A.) earlier this year, of some of histories best silent films. If the film I saw tonight, The Artist, had been released (yet) this film surely would have made the list. This is one of the most charming, funny, sweet, clever movies I have seen in years. Everything about this movie works and is executed to perfection. Due to the fact that I actually watched several silent films on the big screen earlier this year, I can say this film looks straight out of the 1920's and is one of the best reminder's of why America fell in love with the movies.
The Artist opens in 1927, to a packed movie theater enjoying another silent Hollywood film premiere. As the credits end, its star George Valentin (played by Jean Dujardin in a sure- fire Oscar nomination for Best Actor),who is strikingly similar to Douglas Fairbanks, walks onto the theaters' stage. Considering the man never udders a word throughout the whole film, it sounds funny to say I think he will get an Oscar nomination in the Best Actor category, but I do! And yup, I think The Artist's stunning leading lady Berenice Bejo will probably get nominated for her portrayal of Hollywood's favorite "talkie" star Peppy Miller. Peppy Miller (Bejo), an aspiring Hollywood actress, bumps into star George Valentin (Dujardin) leaving the opening film premiere, and there relationship continues over the nest several years. As his career fades with the silent film era, her career grows with the "talkies". There is delightful cast of characters peppered throughout the movie, played by actors such as James Cromwell, John Goodman, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle, Ed Lauter and Malcolm McDowell.
Do not let the fact that this film is in black and white and silent deter you. The music is so perfectly matched to every scene, and still authentic to the era. In fact, you guessed it, the music is so good I am sure that it will be nominated for Music (original score). And while i am predicting this films chances at the 2012 Oscars, adding to what I have already mentioned, I expect it to also get nominations for Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Film Editing, Makeup and Writing (original screenplay). This is a film that can't be given justice with description, it must be scene on the big screen. Go see The Artist and get transported back to a different era, and enjoy old Hollywood as you probably never have, or will again...