Last Thursday, 19 January, Begoña and I went to see The Artist, a 2011 French film directed by Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. The story is about a declining actor and a rising actress at a time when silent cinema is being replaced by talkies. The film itself is black-and-white, and mainly silent.
The Artist (2011)
A charming film, nice and entertaining, I’ll certainly recommend it to any film lover.
My rating: 8 out of 10.
A Crime is Afoot 
I’ve just been to see the film too and I agree that it is wonderfully imaginative film. Amazing that it has taken a French director and his two leading actors to make this homage to the silent movie era.
I was a bit disappointed in it – it was a one-dimensional, naive story (as films were in those days of course, I realise it is a homage, or parody), & I could not really get into it once the initial concept had worn off a bit (about 20 minutes in). I also did not understand the end – but had better not say why here for readers who haven’t seen it. I thought the dog was the best.
PS I should say that I’m really glad it has done so well commercially and critically, considering the Hollywood rubbish that usually wins awards, etc. But for me, it showed me the basic importance of words!
I really want to see this film! I’m now preparing for the film festival of next week but I will try to get to watch this one soon as well!
Alister, Maxine, Cessie, thanks for your visit and for taking your time to comment. Maxine your points are well taken and probably the only reason why I did not give The Artist a higher rating. If I enjoyed it more than you, it’s just a matter of different taste. Besides, given my age, the first films I saw in my childhood were silent (Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, etc …).
I really enjoyed the film, much more than I expected, think I need to see it again! Take a look at my review when you have the chance! Cheers: http://conordcfc.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/film-review-the-artist/