The Artist Review

Well, it’s finally made it to Ireland, so we’re a bit behind on the review of Michel Hazanavicius’s movie that has a gigantic amount of award buzz surrounding it. As many things go, they never live up to the hype. So read on and find out does The Artist make an impression or is it an overrated pile of Hollywood nostalgia that only serves the “older” demographic.

The Artist is set in Hollywood in the late 1920’s. Silent movies are all the rage and one of the biggest silent movie stars is George Valentin. The silent movies are about to fade into obscurity as the talkies have arrived and are the future. Valentin (Jean Dujardin) quickly starts to fade into oblivion as nobody wants to see a silent movie star in a talkie. But not before he encounters Peppy Miller who starts the ascent to stardom as Valentin slips into away into the night. The further he slips away, the further his “friendship” with Miller grows apart as she starts racing up the ranks in Hollywood.

Simply put, The Artist lives up to the hype, and then some. Michel Hazanavicius has written and directed an absolutely stunning piece of film. I’m sure to many the thoughts of a silent movie may not sound like a great night at the cinema. But for the love of God, cast that thought out of your mind. This is something incredibly unique and refreshing. The style, the sets and the pacing are spot on and the movie has a very unique, yet very authentic look to it.

It’s funny, it’s incredibly touching in places and will have you laughing and crying, and thats even before Uggie the dog makes an impact. There are a number of scenes in this, particularly at the end where the use of the soundtrack (which is fantastic), or lack of one, is magnificently moving. It had me in floods. Besides that, the Artist features one of the greatest scenes I have ever seen in a movie. It involves a glass and that’s all I’ll say. You’ll know it when  you’ll see it. It’s completely unexpected and is pure and utter brilliance.

Dujardin and Bejo are more or less flawless here and both are incredibly likeable. But they fail in comparison to Uggie the dog who is as award winning as the movie is itself.

The Artist deserves every piece of success that's coming to it. It’s a throwback to a bygone era that will move you, no matter what age you are. It is simply a genuine and brilliant piece of cinema. I won’t beat around the bush here, you HAVE got to go see this movie! And that's as black and white as I can make it.