A Wonderful comedy, A romantic love letter, a cinematic treat...

Rating: 10/10 (21 February 2019)

While this film isn't particularly deep, it isn't mere empty style . Re-watching the film the other day I was struck by how George being replaced in his industry due to technology is actually a fairly universal experience. Sure the film is self-consciously modeled on Hollywood history but it is applicable to many other things. Anyway, the story of the aging silent film actor falling in love with up and coming talkie actress feels like a classic Hollywood myth and the story is wonderfully engaging. That the film is very funny, what with the cute doggo and board humor.
Now it is true that the film has a ton of style. It makes many allusions to classic films-Grand Hotel, Citizen Kane, Vertigo to name a few-and it is artificially silent film making (for the most part), not widescreen and in black/white. People who love classic Hollywood will find a lot great in jokes here. It is also a fun game to try to guess what films the director is thinking of. Films about films can be a little twee put here this feature just makes the film utterly enjoyable.
The film really does feel like an unearthed silent film from the (late) 20's. It's amazing on all technical aspects in this regard. Hazanavicius really knows how direct action to give information visually. (Having seen a few of his other films, he really is chameleon-like in his ability to invoke period) There is just so many places were the film is effortlessly cinematic; where the story is all about behavior, actions and movement.
Wonderful Best Picture.