As soon as I grew past the phase of rebellious teenage life during which you are required to abhor your mother, because you begin to realize it is inevitable that you will grow into her, my mother and I became the best of friends. We attended museum exhibits, films and opera together discussing them at great lengths afterward, bouncing our usually quite distinct opinions off of one another. When I announced I would be moving to the tundra of Syracuse, she and my father decided to out-do me with the proclamation that they would be moving to la la land (Los Angeles).
Months later, as we come to terms with our life overhauls, I had the brilliant idea to do cross-country film reviews/conversations. Here is our first!
The Artist
Monica Smart:
Skip the popcorn! The Artist is a black and white, silent film and winner of the Best Picture award in this years’ Golden Globes. It has no sex, f-bombs or gore, which seems unheard of these days.
Actually the entire movie is unheard (until the very last minute) except for the lovely, old-school musical score by French composer Ludovic Bource who won a Golden Globe for best soundtrack. The movie centers around George Valentin, a dashing silent film star who hams it up while being followed by the cutest terrier in film since Asta, the pooch from the Thin Man movies. Valentin is the big MGM star back when a movie was as much about the star as the script.
We watch as technology catches up to him in the form of talkies which he laughingly (albeit silently) mocks. As a fan of old movies ,who spent much of the 80’s watching them for the first time in an effort to shield my young children from the sex and violence of contemporary movies, I recognized many scenes. Singin’ in the Rain, Sunset Boulevard, Citizen Kane, and even old Tarzan movies to name just a few. Of course, no movie is complete without a love story and here you have one straight from the good old days when love conquers all.
A beautiful young woman with the apt name of Peppy saves George and lovingly brings him into the modern world (I don’t think that is a spoiler- you can see it coming from their first meeting). Charming and delightful, The Artist is a quiet tribute to movies. Thus, skip the popcorn-too noisy!
Lauren:
The Artist made me an incredibly happy moviegoer. With heartstealing characters, a well-crafted score and a plot with more twists and turns than most talkies, I left the movie theater with a renewed hope in the art of filmmaking.
An homage to how things used to be, as Mom so aptly suggests, I think The Artist was also a poetic stab at modern films return to ‘mugging.’ I mean – have you seen Ryan Gosling in ‘Drive’?
It’s an incredible statement that audiences and film awards across the world are making, that a silent actor is the ‘best actor’ and that a silent film could be nominated for ‘writing.’
But Guillaume Schiffman’s cinematography didn’t strike me as impressive. When the film was in the dark, the black and white appeared more green and blue.
But don’t stay away from this film, because it’s black and white — it’s the feel good movie of the year and feels modern for all its old-fashioned glory.
I so love this post! I was thinking about something similar the other day, since I am living in a new area with my husband, that I miss that movie buff connection my dad and I had. What a great way to bring your interests together, in a blog post. Thanks for sharing.
You should definitely do it! It makes you feel like you saw the film together!
I am SO excited to see this!
One question: Do you think it’s appropriate for children? I have a (pretty darn mature) 9- and 12-year-old…trying to decide if I can/should take them.
I may have to pre-screen — then decide!
Thanks for the review…
Mikalee- it is absolutely appropriate for all ages.
There is one scene where the star almost kills himself near the end, but that is the only thing even close to inappropriate that I can remember. Maybe the d-word, also.
“The Artist” is the best film I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen a lot of films. Enjoyed your review!
Great thoughts, and just re-confirmed how much I’d love to see this movie! Thanks for sharing and congrats on being freshly pressed!
I hadn’t really heard of this film until recently, but it sure sounds interesting…
It seems poised for Oscar gold!
God, you’ve made me want to see this film even more. I’ve been salivating and impatiently waiting for it to come here. Now that it’s playing here, I have to find someone to drag along to the cinema. lol No one but me seems too enthused about it.
Definitely try to drag some friends. That’s what I did and they all ended up loving it.
Love your work
Hi it’s really good review! Keep up writing, by the way i am writing blog also please read my magazine and if you let me share your article on my blog http://flexwords.wordpress.com
have a good day
want to see it so badly! the preview looks great!!
I wholeheartedly agree with your first sentence, Lauren: “The Artist made me an incredibly happy moviegoer.” I thought it was a thoroughly entertaining film, as did everyone I know who has seen it. And have fun working up reviews across the nation with your mother! What fun…
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Thank you for this smart and fun blog. Connie
http://7thandvine.wordpress.com/
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And Jean Dujardin is dreamy!
I LOVED this film! And being member of SAG I was able to vote for the Lead Actor for SAG awards this year : ) So happy he won yesterday!! Wonderful post about this great film!
namaste,
EL
http://mselenalevontraveling.com
Ha! I hadn’t really considered the ‘poetic stab at modern movies return to mugging’, but I do believe you’re right!
I think the color-tinged cinematography, like the slow frame rate, may have been intentional. (More thoughts here – http://grassrootsmovement.wordpress.com/2011/12/24/movie-review-the-artist/).
But while I didn’t care for the last 30 seconds or so (clever but unnecessary, and while they could have be nodding to the fact sound can ruin a perfectly good thing, ruining that thing wasn’t worth it), it’s deserving of its nominations, and if it doesn’t win Best Actor (that face!) and best picture, I’ll be sorely disappointed.
Now I want to see this movie! Hope it comes out on DVD soon!
The Artist is amazing! Congrats on making the front page.
Oh, I’m a little sad about saying from the beginning that the end is not silent and about the happy ending: let’s admit that a happy ending for a French movie is really rare, I was waiting during the whole movie for someone to die.
However, nice way to share a mom/daughter relationship!
Might share the idea with my own mom across the ocean…
Looks like one to watch! I love black and white movies! Thanks for sharing.
wow.now i want to watch them! thx!
This is a wonderful article…
“The Artist” is the best movie I’ve seen in a long time. (“Hugo” is probably #2.)
Anyone would have to be crazy to make a silent film in black & white these days. But Michel Hazanavicius was so crazy he made an absolutely gorgeous, warm-hearted movie.
Dujardin is well-known in France. (His Valentin (from “Valentino”?) reminded me of Gene Kelley.) Bérénice Bejo is captivatingly radiant throughout the movie. (She’s also Mrs Hazanavicius.) Uggie (the dog) is a scene-stealer. He and Valentin are inseparable. (Could you bring a dog into a restaurant nowadays?) [Uggie is retiring after that movie.]
This is one movie that you can tell your friends, “Just go see it!”. I may even break with a long-standing tradition and see it again (I usually have to wait 4 or 5 years before I can see a movie a second time.)
The dog is phenomenal, I agree–better than Asta!
You’re making me re-think the movie, now. At first I thought the silence was a gimmick and I was going to ask “But wouldn’t it be a better movie if they brought out the full arsenal (including sound and color)?” Probably not. It would have been a different movie–a rip off of “Singing in the Rain” even–silence makes it different and turns a story too simple to tell with sound and color into something worth watching.
But in that case, the last minute of the movie breaks the spell (in a bad way). I’ll give them “With pleasure” or even stopping it on “cut” but three full lines? I’m curious what you (two) think on that score.
Dying to see The Artist and loved Hugo so much I saw it twice (my 9 yr old daughter insisting), dubbed in French which somehow seemed appropriate, I don’t think I need to hear it in english. And The Artist we don’t need to hear at all! Great reviews, bonne continuation.
Good article and thanks for that.
However my reluctancy to fall in love for the Artist has nothing to do with the fact that it’s in Black & White or that it’s basically mute, but more with the fact that aside from all, and some rather vague movie references here and there (the most random of which is the use of the Vertigo soundtrack), the story has very very very little new to offer to the audience. As a film lover, I couldn’t help noticing that this was pretty much your basic storyline from “Singing in the rain” and “A Star is Born”. To me it felt more like a good idea for a short film stretched way over its limits.
I didn’t hate the film, and I did like some of it, but I just don’t think it’s the Oscar worthy iflm everyone is talking about.
This is my FULL REVIEW http://wp.me/p19wJ2-tX
It would certainly be an adventure. I just may check this one out. TY
val
http://valentinedefrancis.wordpress.com
When I left the cinema after seeing the artist a couple in front of me on the street – who had also been to see it – tap-dancing all the way down Glasgow’s busiest street! I followed them, smiling and knew just how they felt. the film made me so happy too and I’d like to go back -something I never do. Your post hit on many of the reasons why I loved The Artist so much – thank you.
This is my favorite movie so far… Thank you for this review, it made me feel again these emotions that I had watching The Artist!!
http://pargalichnos.com
I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about The Artist but i got the distinct impression it was The Industry patting its own back. I’ll see it…. maybe.
Great review. I wasn’t sure about it at first but all the love I’m hearing makes me want to see it
What a great idea! Sounds like a great movie too. I hadn’t even heard of it yet, but you definitely make me want to.
Good review lauren…The artist is really a brilliant movie! I also looked into some of your othr posts too..I’m fascinted and inspired..keep up the good work!..nd never lose your taste for such good films..(I know,it might appear a bit stupid, saying this to someone who writes a blog on movies nd theatre)..but just a kind hearted msg from one bloggr to another…nd cgrts on making to the frontpage of wordpress..!
cheers..
wow, is it a must-see in the theaters, tho? coz i tend to like watching special effects movies in the theaters, and renting the non-special effects stuff to watch at home, coz i figure it’d look more or less the same, n is cheaper =P
The Artist was good. Unusual use of sound, or rather, lack of sound. Enjoyed reading your post! Keep it up!
Great Review ! Thank you !
I’ve definitely got to go see “The Artist”. I’m very intrigued by its concept and after the review you’ve written I want to see it even more. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
I am going to see this movie when it comes to my town.
Wow, I was a little skeptical about watching the movie. Although after reading this post I cannot wait to see it, just have to get all this uni work out of the way first. Great writing also!
Love it!
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i love your work
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The movie was very refreshing. And wonderfully appealing, I am a fan of the classics and this was just done so tasteful. Love the dog in this film, but I am not sure he captured my heart as Asta did. Again loved the movie, very refreshing, enjoyable, and well worth your time and money.
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Now I really want to see this movie. No popcorn, please!
I enjoyed reading your review. I cannot wait to see this movie! I’ve heard so many great things about it.
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Completely agree–a must see film. My wife and I saw the movie last weekend and absolutely loved it. For the first time in a long time, a movie we could both enjoy together. (NOTE: She usually sleeps through the ones I like;i.e. Sy-Fi and adventure and I laugh uncontrollably during her “chick-flicks”. Don’t worry, we’ve been married 46 years so we are used to each other. ) At any rate, great blog. I will be a “frequent flyer” to your site. Keep writing, it’s good for the sole.
I agree – The Artist is a great movie and very refreshing! Wonderful to see such an artistic film and interesting to see an “old fashion” movie today! I highly recommend it!
We have been so frustrated because we are dying to see this film but it did not appear in any theaters in our entire state! I guess we will have to wait for video. Wish I could see it before the Oscars…..
I haven’t fallen in love with a film in so long, and this was such a pure cinema experience that I couldn’t help falling all over. I think at times maybe the greens and blues you mention were intentional attempts to make the film look tired and old. Just my impression.
It’s a must-see cinema film too – it’s the first movie I’ve ever been to that inspired a round of applause at the end; the audience (myself included) just couldn’t stop themselves! It was an amazing experience.
I like this way of dual-reviewing. Interesting crossover and different points. Nice writing on both fronts, thank you!
I love the idea of reviewing a film with your mum’s help! Entertaining post and fair review
You have me intrigued now, I will see it!
“It’s not just smart, it’s Lauren Smart.” – I really liked that
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I enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would.
It just goes to show that the acting rather than the dialogue…. the actual acting process is more important. I could see and feel the emotion without knowing what was being said because of the acting….. aaahhhh… I loved it!
I definitely recommend it to people!
You made a very good point within your post. The movie was an awarded film, that contained no profanity and sexually explicit material. It’s refreshing to see something normal get some kind of high recognition.
Thank you for your thorough review!
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it.s my favourite!
The movie is fabulous! The transition from the silent black- and- white movie, to the times when sound and voice appeared. A touching story fo how a professional has to evolve and adapt. And teh actors and the plot – so so so beautiful and entertaining!
http://dressupforme.wordpress.com/
Love the cross-country reviews and glad to see more people spreading the word about The Artist! Great film!
Loved the movie! Am delighted to see all the nominations and awards. Recently blogged about The Artist.
You can view it here:
http://thisthatandthenextthing.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/the-artist-sound-of-silence-the-movie/
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We’ll give the film a go and write back then.:)
I thought it was really cool watching a silent film in a movie theater. It’s so different from any of the other movies I’d see and I really enjoyed it. The weird thing for me was hearing sirens coming from the street (outside) during one point of the movie.
Now, here’s my question for you: would you watch it at home once it’s out of the theaters?
I saw it in a theater – in a theater that opened in 1938. I figured that would be the best place to see it.
I don’t like to see a movie again – not until 4 or 5 years later. I’d make an exception for this one, and I would see it at home. (I could even turn the sound off!).
PS: Very nice websites (both of them)!
Ooooh, now that’s a good way to really get into the approximate timing for the movie. Nice!
Why do you like to wait so long between viewings?
I was thinking it would be a bit more difficult to watch this movie at home just because of the interruptions or distractions.
And thank you very much! I’ll stop by your blog shortly
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