THE ARTIST
CAROLINE: The Artist is the black-and-while French silent movie that everyone’s talking about and is racking up awards and nominations left and right. That’s what happens when you have Harvey Weinstein behind your movie.
RYAN: So true, politically anyway. I’d say I was as dubious as the next person going in to see this film. We make all kinds of assumptions since it’s silent and black-and-white. I was hoping for something.
CAROLINE: Me too, but I was so afraid it wouldn’t live up to all the hype; not that I really knew what to expect from a silent film. Having said that, I found it very charming.
RYAN: It’s actually a bit dramatic and captivating. I think one of the best things working in the film’s favor is the score. It’s not just a piano track but a more elaborate score which makes a major difference, in comparison to the exhibition of actual silent film of the past.
CAROLINE: I loved the old-timeyness of it. It’s all about old Hollywood and the switch from silent movies to talkies. It’s sweet and cute but yes, there’s definitely a bit o’ drama in there too. And for you skeptics who don’t think you can enjoy a movie without dialogue, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
RYAN: I kinda fell in love with the leading actor. His eyes are so expressive. It really is one of the best cast roles of the year.
CAROLINE: He’s getting nominated all over the place, and I totally agree with you. He’s apparently mostly a comedic actor in France, along the lines of Adam Sandler. This role seems like a stretch for him and he really rose to the challenge. I was totally crushing on him by the end.
RYAN: I didn’t like the female lead as much though. And she’s getting nominated everywhere too. I thought Broadway’s Sutton Foster would have been a better choice for the role.
CAROLINE: Oooh, Sutton would have been great, but I liked the girl they used. She’s so pretty.
RYAN: I think part of why this movie is getting so much recognition – aside from the film industry’s self-lovefest – is that every detail is very well done. From the sets to the costumes and makeup, it’s really very much reminiscent of the time it recreates. It’s even shot in the old frame size.
CAROLINE: Even though it’s pretty short at just over 90 minutes, the end started to drag a little for me. I thought it was going to be over a few minutes before it was. But the ending is great and worth waiting for.
RYAN: It’s funny seeing a couple recognizable American faces in there – John Goodman, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle, James Cromwell…
CAROLINE: Totally. It almost made me want to go out and rent a few old silent movies since I’ve never seen one.
RYAN: And the dog is very well trained in this movie… just had to mention.
— BOTTOM LINE —
CAROLINE: It’s a very sweet movie that will surprise a lot of people. I’m sure some will write it off as too artsy, but it’s one of the most buzzed about movies of the year, so it’s definitely worth checking out. The acting is great and it’s thoroughly enjoyable.
RYAN: I was completely won over and sucked into this movie. I don’t think it’s Best Picture material, but I do agree with its nomination in that category. If you have the curiosity and/or patience to give it a chance, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by it.
— RATING —
