(M) Directed by Michael Hazanaviciouis
The best film of the year could very well be a black and white ‘silent’ film, written and directed by a French filmmaker and starring actors we’ve never seen before alongside an unforgettable Jack Russell terrier. The Artist is an ode to Hollywood’s early days when actors used faces rather than dialogue and accompanying sound was supplied by an orchestra.
In 1927, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie superstar when he gives some advice to young Preppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) who is an extra on his latest film. Two years later, George is out of a job, Preppy is the new face of the talkies and their destinies continue to be intertwined. This is not a cynical film, but one full of humour, emotion and absolute entertainment. There are actually two words in the film and, like Marcel Marceau’s word in Mel Brooks’ Silent Movie, well worth the wait.
Lezly Herbert
