The Artist Movie review

The Artist breathes fresh life into the dissonance of modern cinema by reliving the cinematic excellence of the 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 the silent era with the eloquence of silence.

The Artist movie review

“The Artist” showcases the strength of silent cinema and dispels any doubts of its power. This film may be silent, but it is made emphatic cinematic noise at the Oscars! The film was a critical darling, receiving numerous accolades including five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin’s performance.

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

Transcending the need for dialog, The Artist paints a canvas for itself through impeccable performances by the actors. The film pays homage to silent film stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton through its acting style, cinematography, and musical score.

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. The movie explores the silent film industry’s transition to “talkies” and the challenges faced by actors during this period.

Uggie, the canine star from the 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 (the best dog in a theatrical film at the Golden Collar awards), he is raring to woo audiences at the Oscars. The canine star was the focus of a campaign called “Consider Uggie” appealing for him to win an honorary Oscar nomination of his own.

The Artist is a charming comedy that expertly employs its silent film style to tell an emotionally engaging story. Featuring impressive performances and a soundtrack that brings back memories of the golden age of silent cinema, it speaks to a wide audience through a universal language.

Uggie went on to win the Palm Dog Award at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, the 2012 Golden Collar Award, and received a special mention at the Prix Lumière Awards, the French equivalent of the Golden Globes.

RIP Uggie

PS Uggie has died 🙁 He was aged 13. To think of it, the superstar dog Uggie was rejected by two owners and on his way to the pound before his human Mueller took him in. Along with his starring role in “The Artist,” Uggie appeared in “The Campaign,” “Water for Elephants” and “Mr. Fix It.”

RIP Uggie, for us you’d always remain an Oscar winner!

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