I think this would be a good example of what over-hyping a film can do for it's reception because despite it's subtleties I found 'The Artist' to be a bit disappointing.
The central story seemed to be lacking some passion, which made it unconvincing, coupled with the clichéd, hammy acting I came away wondering what on earth everyone had been talking up, the silent film that no one can shut up about. There is no doubt that this is a brave film and a nice contrast to all the epics with hundreds of extras on horseback that have been filling our cinemas the past five or so years add to that the excellent stand out performances from Jean Dujardin and John Goodman there is a lot to like in this film. The little metaphors, such as the sound of a feather or the argument with his shadow are brilliant however the light humour seems somewhat odd against some of the darker moments within the film. It’s a very light-hearted film about alcoholism, divorce, bankruptcy and suicide, with a little light dancing, which I am sceptical about.
The music is just perfect; Ludovic Bource’s score gives you every emotion that the actors do not say and it is on the strength of this that the film rides to jovial heights and dark, almost disturbing, lows. With beautiful hints to the past golden era of Hollywood and great boasts from the jazz of the 20s and 30s the film score could easily be listened to with and without the film.
This will win many favourable reviews and just as many awards I am sure, but I feel that the haste to do so will be founded on the fact that there isn't really anything to compare it to (and it's uniqueness should be celebrated). So before walking out of the screening declaring it a “triumph” and that “Michel Hazanavicius is gonna be a star, doll-face” just think that this should be seen as a stepping stone film for more, could there be a silent film renaissance?
No comments:
Post a Comment