Friday, December 16, 2011

The Artist


**** stars

This is one of those films that’s so entertaining and educational on every single level that it’s a shame it’s not being widely released. The Artist has been one of the most talked about films of the year. For people who haven’t seen it, you’re probably sick of hearing about it. Why? Not because you don’t want to see it, it’s because you can’t. Sure, it’s expanding to more theaters every week, but when you have a movie that’s an Oscar frontrunner, that won the crowd over at Cannes, and that it’s the first legitimate silent movie to be released since the World War II era, you wonder if it it's really as good as everyone says it is. The answer is yes. The performances, direction, and music are completely spot on. It captures an era of Hollywood that is so long ago it feels like science-fiction. And how ironic that in 2011 where Hollywood is now all about loud-and-noisy sequels that the movie that could represent the year is a silent movie? Expect Oscar nominations around the board for best picture, director Michel Hazanavicius, lead actor Jean Dujardin, and supporting actress Berenice Bejo. Dujardin and Bejo, who evoke so much emotion without saying a single word, deserve to be heard regardless. The Artist is a film to be treasured, appreciated, and loved over and over again.

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