In a timely manner comes The Artist! I say that because Oscar nominations recently were released and what better movie to cover than this one, taking best picture of 2012! I’ve already seen this film a couple times but had no complaints to watching it a fourth (maybe 5th) time. What separated this movie from many is that it’s a silent film (as I’m sure most of you already know), although you wouldn’t feel the lack of speech with the presence of the soundtrack. The tracks of which grace many mixes on 8tracks.com (if you haven’t tried it- it’s a great way to search for exactly what you’re looking for).
Plot: Outside a movie premiere, enthusiastic fan Peppy Miller literally bumps into the swashbuckling hero of the silent film, George Valentin. The star reacts graciously and Peppy plants a kiss on his cheek as they are surrounded by photographers. The headlines demand: “Who’s That Girl?” and Peppy is inspired to audition for a dancing bit-part at the studio. However as Peppy slowly rises through the industry, the introduction of talking-pictures turns Valentin’s world upside-down.
When I went to see this the first time my friend forbid me to buy Bugles as a movie snack. Personally I felt the music would have covered up the delicious sound of salty crispiness. After seeing the movie a few times however I have a new found respect for the movie as more than a suggestion from my mother. The snack of choice would now be maybe a glass of red wine and some white cheddar pirates booty (organic version of le cheeto puff). By the second viewing you’re used to the lack of speaking, you’re not straining to follow the film, and you sit back (with what i think is the point of the film) to enjoy the wonderfulness of simple Hollywood charm that the movie exhibits. By the third glass of red wine too you’re probably laughing your pants off at the dog scenes which, although a cat fan, I do find pretty cute.
The comments I’ve seen on this film describe it as a love story. However, I never quite caught on to the romantic relationship between the two main characters. I can see the romance, but most of what I picked up was a good friendship and respect for one another. I actually kind of appreciated this. I do love a good romance but I think the lack of over whelming romance in this made me like the movie more. I believe that the romantic and glamorous time of the 20s would have been lost in the cliche if the movie was more of a romance. I felt there was a good balance of focus on the time period and the relationship.
In the end: happy ending and a great dance number.
The Great Watchlist 