The Artist

Touted by some as the best film of the year when it first played at the Vancouver International Film Festival's closing gala, similar comments are being made now that the film has officially been released. This black and white silent film is a wonderful tribute to silent cinema back in the days. While some commercial viewers may shrug at this, they should change their minds with all the Golden Globe nominations with this film.

The Artist is about a silent film actor who is refusing to jump aboard the talkies wagon - or films with sound for those unfamiliar with the terminology. His career spirals downward quickly while his once protege is soaring to fame in the talkies. Not just grateful to George Valentin, Peppy Miller has also fallen for her hero and mentor, trying to help him cope and get back on his feet. George isn't the most willing of stubborn men, but Peppy will win him over.

There's little dialogue in the form of title cards, so if you're a bit tired, you may want a coffee to accompany this film in spite of all the laughs that will erupt. Good accompanying score, production design and performances that tip their hats to the past, you will definitely find yourself transported back in time as well where story was the heart and visual effects weren't needed.

Not just for film students and art house fans, get out of box and back into a fun part of film history, without which certainly, movies today would not be quite what they are.

4/5