Different and brilliant

Rating: 9/10 (29 February 2012)

The Artist came as a film that I had pretty neutral expectations going into, despite it's positive reception I still wondered simply from a personal point of view how it could sustain itself. I was pleased with how it played out. It plays out in quite a quick fashion and certainly isn't slowly paced, this was perhaps recognised by the film makers as a silent film perhaps may be bemoaned if its pacing wasn't up to scratch. When I say this I mean once I knew the plot I was surprised as to how quickly the pace got going. This was a genius move as it made for a film which didn't lag. In this we see George Valentin wonder if the arrival of talking films will cause his downfall. There is a great sense of his attitudes and as the film continues we really feel for him, while at the same time becoming immersed in Peppy Miller's story. We of course see much of hers in the form of montages which I didn't mind as despite the overall brisk running time she along with our other lead was developed, at the same time enjoying seeing her rise to fame. The two leads were a joy to watch, from Valentin's point of view we see his willing ignorance to the threat of 'talkies' without the aid of audible dialogue we see him kidding himself and the inevitable decline. On the other hand it could be said it made for a predictable outcome, once you know the plot you know how much is going to play out. However the film had a great amount of heart and was brilliantly acted without despite predictability wasn't too clichéd, hammy or melodramatic. I always think once the audience is routing for the characters the film makers are at least somewhat succeeding and it was more than the case here. Personally I thought they would fill it with a larger cast but was pleased when it was kept to a premium as well as the run time. It made the pacing stronger and kept my great interest in the story itself. To summarise it is a treat, something different and well worth watching for if nothing else great performances.