Oscar Watch: "The Artist"

"The Artist"
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo



There are times when you see a movie, and the whole experience, from ticket purchasing to the audience to the journey there, becomes a part of the wonder of filmmaking. I have had few recollections of that in my life. I remember loving certain films in theaters, but only few can I recall that spontaneously stick out as a memorable life experience. "Toy Story 3," "Watchmen," and "Iron Man" are examples of films that I loved in theaters, but recalling the journey there, what the day was like, and so on, would be pointless. Others, like the "Star Wars" films, are etched in my memory, but they were so important to me when I was young, it was a structured, hyped movie experience. Ditto with "The Dark Knight." The few spontaneous experiences I had include "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "Casino Royale." My reason for explaining this is because I think I have a new one to add to the list: "The Artist."

I went to see this film as part of my oscar run, as it is getting a large amount of the oscar buzz. I had to work the morning of December 25th, and afterwards, I definitely wanted to do something before going home. So, I decided to finally see "The Artist," but I had to make a 1pm showing so as to make prayer in time afterwards. So, I went to a place called Kew Gardens, which had such a quaint, small-town feeling, I felt I was in a different place altogether. The theater itself was more artsy and independent, and I was shocked to find a really long line to get in. A line comprised almost entirely of older couples. When I finally got my ticket to the film, I went into the theater, which was small, but was shocked to find it almost packed! I found a seat on the right edge of the theater, and waited for the movie to start.

I knew there was a silent film aspect to the movie, but I totally did not realize the entire film was silent (almost). Yet, it led to a somewhat surreal movie exprience. I felt I was in some other time, watching a movie with just music. All of the acting had to be conveyed through facial expressions and body language, something I find very enticing in films, like "WALL-E" and "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."

When we reached the first scene with sound effects, George's dream, it felt rather odd. Hearing the dog bark, the glass hitting the table, it felt so.... different. And the end, where we finally heard everyone speak, was a nice way to end. It could have gone either way; I probably would have opted for keeping the entire film silent.

The acting was excellent. Dujardin, as the popular silent film actor turned has-been, was fantastic. The facial expressions he conveyed expressed emotions ranging from pride to sadness, glee to anger, despair to depression. Bejo, the beautiful female lead, was an actress who made her way to stardom at the rise of the talkie era. She was the most genuine, caring character in the film. Both of them had fantastic facial expressions, and it goes to show how much more outward emotion acting required back in the day. Wooden actors, like Hayden Christensen in the PT, James Franco in many films, and so on, likely would not have been able to handle that type of expression, in my opinion.

This movie was also displayed a wonderful use of music to highlight the emotion of certain scenes. I especially like the last song, which was an uplifting end after the sad events that immediately preceded it.

Overall, this was a beautiful film, innovative and courageous for making a silent film in the modern era of sequels and prequels, explosions and blockbusters. I don't know what film are nominated for best picture this year, but I wouldn't be surprised if this film wins it all, and deservedly so. What a fantastic theatrical experience.