Truly one of the best films I have ever seen

Rating: 10/10 (24 January 2012)

I have just seen The Artist and was totally blown away by it. It is such a joy to see a film which doesn't rely on big bangs & special effects but purely on the acting, soundtrack & cinematography.
I went to see this out of curiosity & wasn't sure if I would enjoy it or not. I can honestly say that I could have watched it again & still have been gripped. Yes the story might not be particularly deep but it is told with such feeling that you can't help but be drawn in. This film is a true display of 'proper' acting. No reliance on dialogue, just the acting in it's purest form where every little feature or movement has to tell the story.
From a light, fluffy start the film turns to some quite dark scenes to convey the turmoil of George Valentin as his star descends & boy did he convey it well. It felt as if you were being dragged into his psyche and the pain he endured was brilliantly portrayed.
As for the dog, well what can I say! When George is at his lowest & thinking of suicide you actually feel the dogs desperation to stop him.
I can understand why there are those who don't enjoy or 'get' this film. As others have said, I suppose it's a bit like Marmite, but I think that not everyone understands what this film is about. It' a love letter to the cinema but it's also about the problem that many silent actors must have faced. You might be a good ham but it doesn't mean you have the voice or talent to cross over to talkies.
I enjoyed everything about this film. The superb acting, the soundtrack, the clever use of sound, the beautiful way in which it was filmed. EVERYTHING. If you want to see something wonderful that is truly different, uplifting & full of heart then go to see this film. It certainly got under my skin & I don't even like silent films!