The Artist

It may be a silent, French and shot entirely in black and white but awards sensation The Artist is not a conceited film, rather one of the most entertaining films of the year. The story of silent movie star George Valentin’s (Jean Dujardin) fade into obscurity following the arrival of talking pictures is full of humour and charm and will make you leave the cinema with a smile on your face.

Though it occasionally threatens to become self-parodying it is a gloriously beautiful throwback to a golden age of cinema that even The Artist itself admits is somewhat of a fantasy. A fantasy illustrated by the large sign reading HOLLYWOODLAND above this enchanting parallel world.

The actors, John Goodman’s slightly hammy performance aside, are wonderful and the incorporation of modern technique adds to the film without detracting from the romance. Not to mention Uggie the Jack Russell who plays the role of Jack the dog with scene stealing comic ability.

If I had one bone to pick with The Artist it would be the slightly underwhelming treatment of the Great Depression, however even this just emphasizes that you should suspend your disbelief and enjoy the experience rather than search too hard for hidden meaning.

This year has seen a cinematic yearning for the past, with Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, and Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, both harking back to the same creative period as The Artist. Though all three are undoubtedly fine films, The Artist has a level of bravery, charm and raw entertainment that puts it a class above the rest.

As great a visual spectacle as any 3D James Cameron epic, The Artists deserves all the plaudits it will undoubtedly get.