The Artist – Blazing Minds Film Review #ApolloRhylFilmReviewer

The Artist

Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius

Written by: Michel Hazanvicius

Starring: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo and John Goodman

Certificate: PG

Running Time: 100 mins

The main thing that was going through my mind as I sat down to watch The Artist at @ApolloCinemas Rhyl was “Is this film going to live up to all the hype it’s been getting and the awards that it has won!”

The Artist – Blazing Minds Film Review

So the lights dimmed and the film started, first thing I noticed was it was true to an old silent movie by being in a 4:3 ratio, none of that widescreen 2.40:1 ratio here, the credits started to roll, not a sound, nothing, then with an orchestral roar the film jumped in to life.

Now before I continue I do have to say that I am a big fan of the silent film genre and love watching Chaplin, Keaton, Lloyd and more, so for me this wouldn’t be a problem watching a film with no dialogue.

George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie star at the top of his form, the audiences love him and he loves himself, stardom is his love and his life, but things change and as we know in movie history, things can change very quickly.

As time goes by young actress Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo)  slowly takes over George’s spotlight giving way to a new genre of film, the talkie!

So our star begins to fall as “The Talkies” start to take hold of the movie going public and so George starts to lose everything, almost, except for Uggie his close companion.

I’m not going to beat about the bush about The Artist, I’ll just come straight to the point, all the heard about it being a brilliant film are right!

Who would think that a film shot in black and white, in a 4:3 format with only a wonderful soundtrack for audio could keep the attention of today’s audience that is used to CGI, action, surround sound and a massive wide aspect screen.

There is a moment in the film where the use of sound is used for a brief moment for full effect as we see George’s silent world slowly being pulled away from him and it is so nicely done and a surprise, so I won’t tell you anymore about that or I would spoil it for you.

The Artist kept my attention throughout, right from the start, with Uggie the dog stealing the scenes and the pure brilliance of telling a story with only visuals. Those days seem so far behind us now, but The Artist brings us what once was a massive appeal to audiences.

Don’t be put off by the film being in black and white and silent, it’s pure brilliance, grab your popcorn and drink, sit down and enjoy a film that is made to be enjoyed.

Overall Thoughts For The Artist

With a charm and elegant nod to the golden age of the silent film era, The Artist, has to be the best film I’ve seen this year, so far and I really can’t fault it and for that reason The Artist gets top marks

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