Monday, March 5, 2012

The Artist

Actors:  Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, John Goodman, Penelope Anne Miller, James Cromwell
Rating;  7 out of 10, I think this movie fell victim to inflated expectations.  I went in expecting something really special and it’s not.  It’s a very nice little story, well acted but really nothing that special.  Not special enough to glean all the acclaim that has been showered upon it recently. I think history will eventually show that this was a cute little, niche movie that won awards because of it’s connection with the Weinsteins and their PR machine.  Dujardin and Bejo are both very good but again this is really a silent movie that doesn’t have to be.  I know that’s the gimmick used to shower us with nostalgia for a by gone era but it was more frustrating than nostalgic.  I can’t hate any movie with a hero dog.  It was strange to see the opening credits with current actors but presented in a typical 1930’s black and white presentation.  The hero ends up being more contemptible than heroic but is saved by Dujardin’s electric charisma.  In the end – a big disappointment.
MVP:  Dujardin as the silent, well meaning George Valentin (aka Valentino)

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