The Artist

8

bennington13Jan 15, 2012

The Artist has swept into UK cinemas on a tidal wave of critical acclaim, and a raft of increasingly major awards. Set in the late 1920s, just as the advent of sound overturns the Hollywood status quo, The Artist tracks the pride and fall ofThe Artist has swept into UK cinemas on a tidal wave of critical acclaim, and a raft of increasingly major awards. Set in the late 1920s, just as the advent of sound overturns the Hollywood status quo, The Artist tracks the pride and fall of George Valentin (Jean DuJardin, best known over here for the OSS 117 espionage parodies) following a chance encounter with Peppy Miller (personified by the delightful BÃ©rÃ©nice Bejo).

Itâ… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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0

Marty1035Jan 15, 2012

It's time someone said "the Emperor has no clothes" -- this movie sucked! And I love old movies, and silent movies -- was at Radio City when Napoleon re-premiered, but his was just a really bad movie that someone at production must have justIt's time someone said "the Emperor has no clothes" -- this movie sucked! And I love old movies, and silent movies -- was at Radio City when Napoleon re-premiered, but his was just a really bad movie that someone at production must have just gotten so sick of, they said to "turn the damn sound off" and then forget to turn it back on before the printed the copies, and then got released figuring it couldn't be any worse with sound and not worth the trouble re-printing. You could write the plot on a matchbox, hell, you could write it on a match. And the lack of a soundtrack just keeps you focused on their lips trying to figure out what's being said so you don't focus on the (lack of) acting. They can keep the thirteen bucks but I want my hour forty minutes back!… Expand

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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8

kristen58Jan 14, 2012

This was an enjoyable movie. I wouldn't really score it a perfect 10 or 100 (as many users and critics have), but I enjoyed it. The plot is pretty simple, and very close to that of Singing in the Rain, but it feels creative and differentThis was an enjoyable movie. I wouldn't really score it a perfect 10 or 100 (as many users and critics have), but I enjoyed it. The plot is pretty simple, and very close to that of Singing in the Rain, but it feels creative and different because it's a silent movie itself...not just a movie about them. I feel like if it wasn't a silent movie in black and white, it would have gotten only modest reviews. It's pretty much the most interesting thing about it. I did like the movie, but I found myself comparing it to Singing in the Rain the whole time, which is one of my favorite movies and is much funnier and more entertaining. But The Artist is still a good movie and worth seeing in the theatre. I loved the dog.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

EleniJan 14, 2012

www.unsungfilms.com by Georgia Xanthopoulou

Opening Nights: Athens International Film Festival 2011, Pt. 1

The Highlights: â

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

BonPapaJan 13, 2012

Did not think I would like a silent movie but I loved this one. Now I know what the great movies must have been like in the 20's! The music and expressions were all that is needed to get the message across. It's black and white, and thatDid not think I would like a silent movie but I loved this one. Now I know what the great movies must have been like in the 20's! The music and expressions were all that is needed to get the message across. It's black and white, and that also added to the movie.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

Tazmania32Jan 12, 2012

Being younger and not thinking this type of film would work in my time, I thought this film was AMAZING!!!! I loved the characters played by Jean and Berenice; there was literally almost nothing I can find that is wrong with this film. NowBeing younger and not thinking this type of film would work in my time, I thought this film was AMAZING!!!! I loved the characters played by Jean and Berenice; there was literally almost nothing I can find that is wrong with this film. Now the hard part for me is deciding whether this or "Tree of Life" should win Best Picture in the Oscar race.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

CitizenCharlieJan 11, 2012

George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) has a dream halfway through The Artist with real sound. He sets a glass down on the table and it makes a noise. The phone rings, the dog barks, and it all sounds so harsh and shrill. Both George and theGeorge Valentin (Jean Dujardin) has a dream halfway through The Artist with real sound. He sets a glass down on the table and it makes a noise. The phone rings, the dog barks, and it all sounds so harsh and shrill. Both George and the audience wait for George to wake up and end these horrible noises. Please, take us back to the wonderful world of silent film in black and white whose only sound is the soothing cinematic orchestral score. Yes, The Artist is silent. The actors are moving their mouths but only every now and then does a dialogue screen pop up for the audience to read. The effect of this throwback is a mesmerizing masterpiece. Just as Hugo was homage to the earliest films and George Melies, The Artist celebrates the late 1920s silent film era and appears so accurate it most likely could have been released in 1927. The giveaway is that everybody in the movie theater on screen is smoking. Nobody in Hugo… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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7

JollyG87Jan 10, 2012

Stylistically, "The Artist" is exquisite. Director Michel Hazanavicius wields the camera like a magician treating us to one delightful shot after another. It was wonderful to see all of the creativity that went in to every single moment. TheStylistically, "The Artist" is exquisite. Director Michel Hazanavicius wields the camera like a magician treating us to one delightful shot after another. It was wonderful to see all of the creativity that went in to every single moment. The story isn't bad either. There where quite a few moments where I had a big open faced smile and a case of the chuckles. But mostly, those chuckles came because of the talented cast. Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo perfectly portray their characters, Dujardin a struggling silent film actor, and Bejo a hot celebrity rising to the top after the invention of talkies. Together, they radiate chemistry and always keep the movie hopping along even during the unhappiest of times. The only drawback for me was the running time. With a story so familiar, I felt like about 10 minutes of the movie should have been cut particularly when Dujardin is going through the rough times in his life. I know that the familiar story is part of the "silent movie" style in itself, and I also know that many other viewers found the storyline to be enchanting. But for me, I was never swept up in the magic. It started to build for me in the beginning, but it sunk in the middle as I waited for Dujardin to recover and make it back on top for the eventual happy ending. Still, "The Artist" is an expertly handled exercise in style. If you can find the substance as well as the style, you will absolutely love it. But if you're like me, and you only enjoyed the creativity of the storytelling, you won't love it, but there will be plenty to excite you.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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9

MickinsoCalJan 4, 2012

'The Artist' is unlike anything you have ever seen. It is meticulously crafted and edited to present an often surreal experience, but a consistently sweet and engaging one. About a quarter of the way through the film you'll be hooked,'The Artist' is unlike anything you have ever seen. It is meticulously crafted and edited to present an often surreal experience, but a consistently sweet and engaging one. About a quarter of the way through the film you'll be hooked, forgetting that it has no dialog at all. The music will lull you into the story and the subtle nuances of the acting will slide right by you, felling simply appropriate. There is a dream sequence (all I'll say) that is beyond brilliant. The film ends in a wonderful climax that will leave you entranced.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

StevieGJDJan 4, 2012

While one can certainly not like a movie for many reasons, not liking it because it is an artfully made homage to and about black and white silent films is, at the very least, immature. Critics love this movie because, in general, movieWhile one can certainly not like a movie for many reasons, not liking it because it is an artfully made homage to and about black and white silent films is, at the very least, immature. Critics love this movie because, in general, movie critics love movies and the history of the art form. Much like Hugo, The Artist has a soft spot for the silent film era. This movie is beautiful and well shot, using modern techniques and cinematography to replicate old style silent movies. It is true that one needs more of an attention span to appreciate a movie like this. It is also valid to suggest that much of the plot is nothing groundbreakingly new. But there are so many truly bad, and quite frankly mind numbingly stupid, movies released for mass consumption in the U.S. that it is refreshing to see someone try something different, novel and inspired.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

ZeusJan 3, 2012

The Artist will stand as one of the best films throughout this decade. Jean Dujardin is incredible (I think should easily win Best Actor @ the Oscars), along with BÃ©rÃ©nice Bejo's performance as the adorable PeppyThe Artist will stand as one of the best films throughout this decade. Jean Dujardin is incredible (I think should easily win Best Actor @ the Oscars), along with BÃ©rÃ©nice Bejo's performance as the adorable Peppy Miller. I advise that YOU do NOT watch the trailer prior to seeing this film. Basically, nearly all of the story is told through the trailer, along with ruining, not necessarily, okay ruining, the best scenes. (Soapbox moment) ... Why do American trailers ruin films? Drive, The Artist, Hugo...STOP! ... See the Artist!… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

RevealaJan 3, 2012

You cannot doze or take your eyes off the screen during this movie, and the acting and direction will keep you focused. This is daring moviemaking, and wonderful artistry. Liked it a lot, but ultimately, it's a one-time only viewing for me.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

charles19Dec 30, 2011

This is a disappointing movie. The emotions are superficial (as in almost all silent movies), the ending is predictable, and frankly, the plot is somewhat boring and uninspiring. The critics and I strongly disagree about this one. PerhapsThis is a disappointing movie. The emotions are superficial (as in almost all silent movies), the ending is predictable, and frankly, the plot is somewhat boring and uninspiring. The critics and I strongly disagree about this one. Perhaps they are too nostalgic to take an unbiased look at this movie...… Expand

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

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7

BikerjamesDec 29, 2011

I love Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, so I was looking forward to this modern homage to the silent films of old. I found the film to be charming, but it was predictable and not as funny as I had hoped. The reason Chaplin and Keaton wereI love Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, so I was looking forward to this modern homage to the silent films of old. I found the film to be charming, but it was predictable and not as funny as I had hoped. The reason Chaplin and Keaton were so great was because of their great physical comedy which required unbelievable timing. This film has little to none of that, just a simple story with a few chuckles here and there. The best things about the film for me were the dog and the soundtrack. The music fit the scenes perfectly. The acting and cinematography are very good but I would have preferred a more comedic script and more physical comedy.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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2

WillCraigDec 29, 2011

To love this movie you'd need to love old movies. I do, but they begin with Gary Grant having a verbal duel with Katherine Hepburn. No such duel in this silent film. (There was one short sword fight.) Several people in my audience fellTo love this movie you'd need to love old movies. I do, but they begin with Gary Grant having a verbal duel with Katherine Hepburn. No such duel in this silent film. (There was one short sword fight.) Several people in my audience fell asleep. Too long. Too predictable. My biggest split in years with the critics.… Expand

7 of 29 users found this helpful722

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5

XogoDec 27, 2011

This film is nothing special short of being a silent movie in 2011. The story has been told many times over in the past. I found myself just hanging in to see if my predicted conclusion would hold true, which it did. The story of TheThis film is nothing special short of being a silent movie in 2011. The story has been told many times over in the past. I found myself just hanging in to see if my predicted conclusion would hold true, which it did. The story of The Artist is essentially covered by sections of "Chaplin" with Robert Downey Jr. I applaud the filmmakers for taking a risk. Its worth a novelty viewing, but hardly worth Best Picture consideration in any country. Well, unless they have a Best Silent Picture category.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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0

jwt7000Dec 27, 2011

Since I didn't enjoy the overall movie and technically overrated and overhyped by critics and viewers, this black-and-white silent film in digital presentation is unacceptable for the 21st century, not to mention that the title of this movieSince I didn't enjoy the overall movie and technically overrated and overhyped by critics and viewers, this black-and-white silent film in digital presentation is unacceptable for the 21st century, not to mention that the title of this movie would have reflect the plot and idea of seeing a great colorful presentation. The classics are the past and they do stay in the past, not the present and not the future. Even though this movie will get some great awards, that should have happen in the past. This is definitely one of the worst and most boring movies of 2011.… Expand

4 of 18 users found this helpful414

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10

mariopingDec 27, 2011

What a charming film! I saw it at the Toronto International Film Festival and at the end of the film, everyone gave a standing ovation to the film and its director and cast. This film put a smile on my face. The story is intelligent -- aWhat a charming film! I saw it at the Toronto International Film Festival and at the end of the film, everyone gave a standing ovation to the film and its director and cast. This film put a smile on my face. The story is intelligent -- a black and white silent film that tells the story of a silent film movie star who doesn't believe in talking pictures. This film is an Oscar best picture with best actor and actress. (I have noticed that many different awards consider BÃ©rÃ©nice Bejo a supporting actress! That's wrong in my opinion. Her character and performance is absolutely a lead performance.) Her star power shouldn't affect the category of the performance.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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4

MJTDec 26, 2011

I'm sorry, but this movie is terribly overrated. What I can't get over is how it doesn't even approach the best old silent films in the way it is shot and edited. It really plods along in places. A decent editor could have cut out about 15I'm sorry, but this movie is terribly overrated. What I can't get over is how it doesn't even approach the best old silent films in the way it is shot and edited. It really plods along in places. A decent editor could have cut out about 15 minutes and given the movie some snap. All I can say is it sure made me want to go back to the great old films...and the dancing sequence--well, Astaire and Rogers they aren't. It's a likeable, but way overrated movie. Rent a Harold Lloyd or Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin and see what real film making looks like.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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8

geegingerDec 26, 2011

The Artist was a wonderful surprise! I do enjoy a good silent film but these days it is a bit of an effort to get yourself to actually sit down and watch one, as is a documentary. But either genre can be a delight if they are done well, asThe Artist was a wonderful surprise! I do enjoy a good silent film but these days it is a bit of an effort to get yourself to actually sit down and watch one, as is a documentary. But either genre can be a delight if they are done well, as this one is. I was afraid that my 22 year old son and I would get bored and had already told him we could leave early if that was the case, but we were anything but bored. I found myself caught up in the story line and characters almost immediately. It was a real pleasure!… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

JohnRoviDec 25, 2011

While the basic idea of this film is creative and has the potential of being a powerful experience, it is not realized. This is not a great film, as the creators did not actually study what makes silent film great. Silent films have a greatWhile the basic idea of this film is creative and has the potential of being a powerful experience, it is not realized. This is not a great film, as the creators did not actually study what makes silent film great. Silent films have a great depth but a different rhythm, more like opera than film, and this movie clearly has no knowledge of what makes silent films tick, so it is an academic exercise, done with passion, but which ultimately fails. The story within the story is ultimately not very interesting.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

DianeDDec 18, 2011

"The Artist" is a very entertaining novelty perhaps a bit too overladen with cinematic references and metaphors to be completely captivating. More a marvel for the fact that it was made than for what it actually is. Over-rated by critics"The Artist" is a very entertaining novelty perhaps a bit too overladen with cinematic references and metaphors to be completely captivating. More a marvel for the fact that it was made than for what it actually is. Over-rated by critics with some directorial missteps, but enjoyable. I would recommend watching the real movies of the 20's and 30's than this pastiche of cinematic cliches and tropes. It might also help to know that 'beauty spot' is the British term for what we Americans call a 'beauty mark'...odd that language should fail in a silent film! Acting is superb in a 'we didn't need dialogue, we had faces' kind of way. This movie's silence loudest in that it has nothing new to say.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

WiseacreDec 12, 2011

Please don't see this movie. I've seen it twice and need to see it again. Wait until after it wins the Oscar when you'll feel embarrassed for not having believed all the reviews.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

brusselsproutDec 12, 2011

An excellent film that knows film. Hyper aware of what has come before it while doing something different because it can. A delightful melodrama with some laughs mixed in.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

1gaycurmudgeonDec 2, 2011

Wow -- really? As a lover of silent film and films set in that period, I just don't get what the excitement is about (with the exception of the novelty). Characters are underwritten, direction all over the place, plot and direction haveWow -- really? As a lover of silent film and films set in that period, I just don't get what the excitement is about (with the exception of the novelty). Characters are underwritten, direction all over the place, plot and direction have anachronistic issues. First Act is exciting, Second Act meandering and lost, Third Act charming...but by THAT time... Plays like an AFI student film.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

villanodeoroNov 30, 2011

SIMPLY....IT'S AN EXCELLENT MOVIE....it's dedicated for love movies .....the movie remains movies like sunset boulevard, the thin man and chaplin movies...

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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10

BHBarryNov 27, 2011

â

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

MarcDoyleNov 26, 2011

What an amazing film. I knew Jean Dujardin would bring talent to the table based on his comic turns in the OSS movies - and he does a great job. But Berenice Bejo is the real find here, though. She lights up the screen like nobody I've seenWhat an amazing film. I knew Jean Dujardin would bring talent to the table based on his comic turns in the OSS movies - and he does a great job. But Berenice Bejo is the real find here, though. She lights up the screen like nobody I've seen since Elena Anaya in Sex & Lucia. (Or maybe Paz Vega in Spanglish - yes, that was a good movie!) It's a classic Hollywood film that shouldn't be missed.… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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10

TrueStoryNov 26, 2011

One of the best film of the year! It is brilliant, original, funny, and the actors (Jean Dujardin and BÃ©rÃ©nice Bejo) are very talented. There are great musics too. It feels good to see something different for once.
IOne of the best film of the year! It is brilliant, original, funny, and the actors (Jean Dujardin and BÃ©rÃ©nice Bejo) are very talented. There are great musics too. It feels good to see something different for once.
I have only one thing left to say : GO SEE IT! :)… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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10

Bangkit20Nov 26, 2011

I first saw this trailer makes me amazed.
This will be the preferred film and loved by many people.
Acting from Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo also Uggy the dog is very impressive and memorable way. Dujardin won the Cannes Film Festival'sI first saw this trailer makes me amazed.
This will be the preferred film and loved by many people.
Acting from Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo also Uggy the dog is very impressive and memorable way.
Dujardin won the Cannes Film Festival's Best Actor Award for his performance.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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10

LeethaNov 23, 2011

I love a good silent movie. No need for words when the story is that good..........

Feltï»¿ quite emotional watching this trailer. There are several clever, even brilliant moments in the film. The power of music isI love a good silent movie. No need for words when the story is that good..........

Feltï»¿ quite emotional watching this trailer. There are several clever, even brilliant moments in the film. The power of music is phenomenal. Iï»¿ wish the movie could got a nomination for Best Picture in OSCAR.......… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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The Artist

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