The Amazing, The Astonishing, The Artist

Rating: 9/10 (28 January 2012)

When people hear of a black and white silent film produced and starring French actors American audiences go running for the hills. Haven't we moved into the 21st century? Are we not at an age where million dollar explosions and masked do-gooders gallivant across the screen in full fledged 3D? Why then would someone be as esoterically pretentious as to make a film like "The Artist."
Because its freakin' awesome that's why! OK...Let me rein in some of my enthusiasm. The tale begins with silent film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) on top of his game at Kinograph Studios. By chance he bumps into a would-be actress (Berenice Bejo) and helps her break into the business. But as 1929 rolls in, the invention of talking pictures derails George's career and threatens to destroy his life.
The story is as familiar as a piece of chocolate cake yet it is told in such an innovative way. Compensating for a lack of dialogue, the actors are forced to emote with every jaunty gate and jovial face crinkle. The music by Ludovic Bource follows along with the unfolding plot punctuating specific moments where it should. The implanted symbolism and confident camera movements recreate eerily similar tableaux from classic films like "Citizen Kane," "Grand Hotel" and "The Mark of Zorro" with aplomb.
It's a love letter to film and everyone should be reading it. Or rather watching each perfectly constructed frame. While some may believe the silent format is limiting, director Michel Hazanavicius proves it is anything but. He plays with the medium, toying with the lights, shadows, sounds and shades like an elaborate puppet show. Watching "The Artist" was almost like unveiling a Jackson Pollock on a cave wall. The canvas might be obsolete but the painting itself is stunning, striking, even provocative.
And as for pretension? This film is anything but. It's candy swathed in plain wrapping. A sugary sweet concoction well hidden in the upper cabinet of a gourmet kitchen. 100% pure entertainment for all ages or at least anyone who dares to laugh in silence and dream in black and white.
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