“The Artist” is directed by Michel Hazanavicius, screenwriter Michel Hazanavicius.
I think this is the best movie of 2012. And when I say “2012″, I mean, this year, it was released in 2011 in Belgium, so there you go.
In this era of film, where nothing new is happening, where films are only made if they can franchise, where films rely more on gimmicks and technology instead of storytelling, this film surprises, delights, amazes and moves the human heart.
Filmed in black and white and almost totally MOS (“With Out Sound” – “Mit Out Sound” as they used to say in German in those days in Hollywood. Apparently) the soundtrack and music and silence is as much a character in the film as the actors.
The Artist tracks the rise of “talkies”and how it affects and effects two very different actors – one a silent screen star and the other a rising actor who find stardom with the advent of this new technology.
In turns, the film is comic, tragic and wildly romantic. It also had made moments where it reminded me of “Singing in the Rain”, which is a-ok with me as that is one of my favourite films of all time.
It is almost halfway into the film before we hear a human voice of any kind and then, it is a part of the soundtrack, not the actors – the lack of the human voice forces the actors and audience to pay close attention to the body language and facial expressions of the actors. When we do hear a human voice, it is like lighting a candle in the dark, how we miss the human voice!
This movie is great storytelling. We are drawn in and respond to it.
I think this movie rather makes a point about use of technology and the effects of some of the artists who are in the modality where a great technological shift takes place. Movies are one of my favourite art forms and yes, that includes silent movies and black and whites – they are so different than the movies of today, bigger, bolder and more subtle at the same time, I miss a film taking time to slow down and get beautiful shots and meaningful imagery.
This film lacks flashy CGI, incredible special effects and colour. But, you know, you won’t miss those things are at all. You will be happy with the clever shots, the beautiful symbolism and the unabashed romanticism and optimism. If you see only one movie in the theatre this year, make this the one. And I know, I know, Batman and Avengers are both coming up in the summer, but seriously treat yourself to something beautiful and classy, a real time out at the movies.
I think this is a movie is a “Must See!”
Enjoy!
