By Emanuel Alvarez –
The era of black and white silent film is long forgotten: replaced by the exaggerated and pungent present of Brukheimer-esque dominated special effects and irrelevant story-telling.
Nothing like a thin plot device, uninteresting characters, bad-acting, clichéd diversions, and the new industry standard of post-credit sequel/ spin-off reveals that have become Hollywood’s movie making formula.
Until a movie like “The Artist” comes along and simply sweeps you off your feet and charms the hell out of you.
The story revolves around famous silent movie actor George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) and his chance meeting with the heart-stopping Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo). At the apex of his popularity, George is challenged with the industry’s transition of silent films to films that include
audio tracks. Our hero then descends into a downward spiral of denial and depression that only our heroine can smack him out of.
Director Michel Hazanavicius quite simply makes the audience forget that his vision is in black and white as well as silent, while routinely reminding us why we love the movies.
The film made a killing at this year’s award shows winning three Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Dujardin, and Best Musical Score.
It also won five Oscars at the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director for Hazanavicius, Best Actor for Dujardin, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.
“The Artist” is a movie that never insults the audience and leaves you sitting in your seat with a dopey grin for about 100 minutes.
Haters of shallow chick-flicks rejoice! It is the perfect date movie with a mixture of comedy, love, and drama that will leave you both with an incredible feeling of warmth. I promise.
People of NJCU you simply must experience this film!
Or you can always enjoy the simple made for television quality of the upcoming summer blockbuster “THOR 2: Lost in New York” and this season’s breakout comedy, “Meet the Fockers 5: Ben Stiller Needs Money.”
