The Artist

Viewer Rating:Aine has rated The Artist rating: 5 Star

For once the hype is absolutely worthwhile.

As a general rule, I don't enjoy anything that's critically acclaimed or hyped . They leave me cold empty and a bit depressed……that is until now. All I can say is that the Artist is gorgeous, fun, heart warming and all round worth the hype.

From the opening sequences where we're introduced to the so called hero of the piece the film roles along seamlessly. At first it's a bit of a shock to the system that there's no sound, no voices just the lovely well matched score to carry thing along but quickly you become absorbed with it. George Valentin like I said is the leading man – suave, debonair….generally box office gold. A chance meeting with Peppy Miller is the catalyst for change in his life both personal and professional. Her star rises, his starts to wane….

What ensues is the parallel running of their very contrasting fortunes, despite a well honed alcoholic streak and a tendency to self destruct Peppy never gives up on Valentein, it's quite sweet for the most part – she starts with being star struck with him on their first meeting and it grows from there until she nearly becomes his guardian angel – trying to help him out, getting him screen play until they reach a happy compromise and they both triumph.

The story line manages to encompass an homage to many different genre of movies – the musical, the romance ,the comedy caper and of course the animal movie. The way it's shot is just magical – I love black and whilte movies anyway but the Artist really is a cut above the rest, it's absolutely stunningly shot and really beautiful to look at. Bejo, Dujardin and Goodyear as well as the rest of the cast all look stunning. The lighting and the sets everything all marry together very well.

Uggie also deserves a special mention – a hilarious side kick to Valentein - they're quite the double act.

The most surprising piece of the movie is the nice under current of girl power and reversed roles. Peppy is the real hero of the piece, she carves her own path and generally wins the day bringing everyone along with her. She's a great character and portrayed fantastically by the exquisite Bernice Bejo – she gets her man – gets what she wants and deserves by being herself.

For once, a movie that deserves all the hype and rewards that's being lavished upon it. Very very enjoyable and would make me want to explore more of the genre

Review published on the 22 February 2012 13:56