2012
Directed by Michel Hazanavicius
I want to preface this review by saying that I actually did enjoy this film. But really, how out of touch are the Oscars that they would crown a silent black and white movie Best Picture? Most people I know refuse to watch black and white films, let alone silent ones. I'm not saying we should mindlessly cater to the masses, but this is a little bit ridiculous.
George Valentin, a popular silent film star, meets Peppy, a beautiful young dancer, in an insanely adorable way. Valentin helps to make Peppy a star, but his own career begins to fall apart with the emergence of talkies.
I don't usually describe films as cute, but this was undeniably cute. Also undeniably relevant, as the film industry continues to change; I keep reading scary online articles about how Hollywood as we know it is dead.
Still, I don't think this would attract the interest of the average movie goer, but I'm a huge snob so I'm fine with it.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Shot in color then converted to black and white.
Takes place from 1927 to 1932.
When I saw this movie back in 12 I was still watching movies from the thirties so the whole talkie thing was still very relevant for me. Needless to say the artist fitted right into my program.
ReplyDeleteThere are certain parallels between The Artist and Singin' in the Rain...
Yeah. Definitely prefer Singin in the Rain though...
DeleteYeah, people don't care about silent films... but wouldn't be nice if they start enjoying it after watching this film?
ReplyDeleteAnyway the film is great and touch a very serious matter. Aw, how I miss Lillian Gish and Chaplin now!
True, I'm just not certain that people would even give this a chance. I would hope they would.
DeleteI would like to thank, read your blog in chronological order and see that you managed to reach the present day inspired me to create my own! I love your blog (I'm still in the 70's) and your writing! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! This comment made my day:) If you want to give me your blog URL, I would love to read it!
Deletehttp://1001filmesverantesdemorrer.blogspot.com.br/
DeleteThis is the link to my blog, but it's in Portuguese, maybe you do not understand anything! And I'm glad that my comment made you day :D
Damn, you're the second blogger that I have wanted to read who only writes in Portuguese. I really need to learn it!
DeleteVocê tem que aprender Português. É uma língua muito bonita.
DeleteY el Español, también. ;)
I agree with Alex, Portuguese is a beautiful language (but I confess it is difficult for foreigners :p )
DeleteI thought this film was just really great. I loved it...for me total perfection!
ReplyDeleteI don't really know how in touch any awards ceremony is really...but I'm happy it won as it's a great promoting tool and at least this way more people might see it...
I guess it all depends on what you think the purpose of an awards ceremony (i.e. reflecting the zeitgeist, representing films that most people wouldn't know about, etc.).
DeleteAwards, lest we forget, are 100% about promoting the industry they represent. Publicity for the event and allowing the winners to promote themselves as such thereafter.
DeleteI think there is room for everything. There are awards more focused on art and other ones more oriented to promotion. The Oscars is a mix of both. I like them because it's about people of the industry voting themselves (you know, actors voting for actors, screenwriters voting for screenwriters,...) rather than the say-so of some self-appointed opinion leaders. Of course, I don't think the winners are the best movies, art is subjective and I have my own opinion. But it is interesting to know where the industry is aiming to.
DeleteAfter reading your review and comments, I must watch this movie. After I do, I will pop back to comment more. 😊
ReplyDelete