A Wonderful film! Not my favorite of the year, but my second.

Rating: 10/10 (30 June 2012)

I was very angry when The Artist went home with Best Picture, even though I hadn't even seen it. To me, it felt like another one of those films that just sweeps up everything. But now I have seen it, and even though it wouldn't have been my top choice, I can honestly say that I understand why it won, and that it would have been my second choice.
The Artist is a silent film, which sounds off-putting to some. The film revolves around a silent film star named George(Jean Dujardin, who went home with the award). As silent films are starting to die out, an up-and-coming actress named Peppy(Bernice Bejo) is becoming more and more famous as George dives into madness.
The Artist, which is magnificently directed by Michel Hanzavachius, might also not appeal because it's two leads are French, but they are marvelous. There hasn't been a silent film in God knows how long, and for these actors, which also include John Goodman, Missy Pyle, Penelope Ann Miller, and James Cromwell, to be acting the way they do is magical. The Artist is movie magic.
It's unique, funny, original, very entertaining, and very charming, and almost too well acted. Do I think it deserved Best Picture? No, I would choose The Descendants before this. Best Actor? Also, The Descendants, even though Dujardin is magnificent. Directing? Yes, I will give it that, because it takes a gifted man to bring out the characters the way he does. The Artist is a wonderful film, and will someday become a classic.
A+