I saw Michel Hazanavicius’ The Artist at Cannes and in the second paragraph of my review I wrote, “Just the mention of silent films can and will turn off movie-going audiences instantly no matter how great you say the film may be.” As we inch closer to the November 23 release the Weinsteins have set I’m wondering if my prediction will be correct or if somehow, someway, the Weinstein marketing machine can get more than just the nostalgic film fans into the seats.
The Artist is a solid film, and while I wasn’t head over heels for it like so many other critics I think it’s a film most people would enjoy should they give it a chance. The story centers on Georges Valentin (Jean Dujardin), a 1920s a silent movie star who sees himself pushed to the side upon the arrival of the talkies. The film tracks George’s fall as well as the skyrocketing career of one-time silent film extra and now modern age star, Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo).
Check out the trailer and let me know if you’re will to give it a chance in theaters or if it just doesn’t appeal to you enough to pay theatrical ticket prices. I’d love to read your reaction. If you’d like to read my review from Cannes you can do so right here.
