So, are you one of those people who refuses to watch a film that’s in black and white or worst yet [shudder] a silent movie? Well, we’re not gonna lecture you on the countless number of great films you’re missing out on or just the ignorance of that stance altogether, but we will tell you this: whether you embrace classic film or not, “The Artist” is a huge entertainer and crowd-pleaser.
The silent movie sensation that won over the snooty critics at Cannes is on its way to North America, and the first trailer has now landed. If it looks familiar, that’s because it is, as it’s exactly the same as the French version that arrived circa Cannes but with English text where required. If anything, it’s a reminder of how gorgeously photographed the film is in its carefully honed, melodramatic sweep. What it doesn’t capture however, is just how frequently funny the film really is and considering the dog gets some of the biggest laughs it’s a bit odd he isn’t featured more. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, the story centers on a fictional silent movie star, George Valentin (a dazzling, Cannes-winning performance by Jean Dujardin), who finds his career fading with the advent of the talkies, while an actress he mentors, Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) begins a rise to stardom. The film is a big ol’ wet kiss to the movies in general is already being touted as a strong Oscar contender.
“The Artist” recently made its North American premiere at the Montreal World Film Festival and it will land in TIFF next before hitting theaters on November 23rd. Check out the trailer below or in HD at Apple.
