If I stay here long enough
I will learn the art of silence.
When I have given up words
I will become what I have to say.
— Desert: Richard Shelton
The Artist breathes fresh life into the dissonance of modern cinema by reliving the cinematic excellence of golden era. Sound; sometimes is but noise in the scheme of a screenplay that speaks for itself. The Artist showcases the bygone era in a light that is enigmatic & endearing; enchanting & entertaining! Weaved with a dream like essence, the movie outlives the details, paying a tribute to silent era with an eloquence of silence. This film may be silent but it is making emphatic cinematic noise this year at the Oscars!
Transcending the need for dialog, The Artist paints a canvas for itself through impeccable performances by the actors.
Dujardin plays George Valentin, a star of the silent movies who is pushed to obscurity with the advent of sound in Hollywood. With pictures getting a voice, his life, professional and personal, undergoes turmoil. All he has is the affection of a rising star Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) and his faithful dog, Uggie.
Uggie, the canine star from silent movie ‘The Artist’ has hit the right notes when it comes to delivering a power packed performance that has raged a rally favoring recognition of animal performances in award ceremonies. Having already won the Golden Collar top dog (best dog in a theatrical film at the Golden Collar awards), he is raring to woo audiences at the Oscars.
More reading: In this Time magazine feature, Uggie opens up about the complications of a transatlantic lifestyle and the perils of celebrity.
PS The images belong to respective owners. Thanks to Andy for referring the opening quote.
#1 by Arun Kumar on February 19, 2012 - 2:20 am
Great review. ‘Artist’ is a celebration of cinema.
#2 by Nitin on February 19, 2012 - 5:36 pm
Beautifully written, I can’t wait to watch this movie:)
#3 by Deboshree on February 22, 2012 - 1:25 pm
Beautiful is the word. I can’t wait ti catch this one!
#4 by calvy on February 22, 2012 - 2:12 pm
Thanks Deboshree:) Do watch the movie ASAP!
#5 by Prakash on February 22, 2012 - 7:49 pm
Beautifully written, I so wish to watch this movie right now:(
#6 by C.E. Murray on April 23, 2012 - 8:51 pm
In this wonderful film, Uggie presented an eloquence beyond words which is, of course, the very point of the movie. Thank you for celebrating his talents here, and saying it so well!!.
#7 by calvy on April 24, 2012 - 11:06 am
Thanks Squirrel mama:)
Uggie truly deserved an Academy award for his work, a felicitation that was not to be:(