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| Movie Review: The Artist Alternate Title: Silence is Golden
Story: This film is a joy! It
is visually dynamic, enchanting, fast-paced and guaranteed to leave
you grinning ear to ear as you leave the theater. It is an homage to
silent films and the characters that surrounded the beginning of cinema
- brilliantly written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius. Do not be frightened of a film that is in black and white and is also
silent. You will love it. The plot is familiar - a self-involved superstar
goes from riches to rags when the 'talkies' come along and his silent
picture stardom goes down the drain. Will our hero return to stardom,
fame and garner the adulation he once adored? Will the ingenue he discovered
help him? Will his wonderful, trusty dog stay loyal? There are a number of surprises during the film that will delight you
(I will not reveal any of them). The film has great acting, fabulous
music and the most incredibly cute dog ever! Do yourself a favor this
holiday month and go see this wonderful film. You will not regret it. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzNhyZlTNAg Acting: Jean Dujardin as George Valentin is superbly
perfect. Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller
will knock your socks off. James Cromwell as Clifton
was terrific. Penelope Ann Miller as Doris was good.
John Goodman as producer Al Zimmer was great and
Uggie the Dog won the Canine D'Or at this year's Cannes Film
Festival. Woof! Predilection: None
Trivia: The role of Jack the dog was actually played
by three matching Jack Russell Terriers; Uggie, Dash, and Dude. In actuality,
the lead dog Uggie, did the majority of all the scenes except a few.
All three dogs were colored before the filming began, made to look more
alike each other. The Palm Dog Award is a yearly alternative award presented
by the international film critics during the Cannes Film Festival. Begun
in 2001. It is awarded to the best performance by a canine (live or
animated) or group of canines during the festival. The award consists
of a leather dog collar with the term “PALM DOG”. The name
of the award is a play on words of the Palme d'Or, the festival's highest
honor. Uggie won it this year for his performance in The Artist.
Critters: Uggie the dog - a remarkable Jack Russell
Terrier
Sex Spectrum: None
Soundtrack: A wonderful soundtrack by Ludovic
Bource.
Opening Titles: The opening titles are in the style
of yore. A smile came onto my face from the get go and rarely left my
face.
Visual Art: Attention to detail was throughout.
Theater Audience: Crowded for an opening weekend.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: If you think making a silent picture
in 2011 is quirky - then so be it.
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Absolutely.
Big Screen or Rental: The big screen for sure.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9.25 |