Well
I have to make an addendum to my movie list (I’ll put it on next year’s list too, but at present I’d recommend that you see it in the theater if you can):
The Artist:
It is strange, since this movie made me nostalgic—but not for the 1920s and 30s (I’m not insane). The last time I watched any silent or Fred Astaire movies was in high school. It brought me back to Mr. Truitt’s film appreciation class, one of few places outside of movie theaters that I felt that really special movie magic feeling.
On the movie: the plot is conventional, and very light. The execution is, in my opinion, nearly flawless.
I had forgotten how the lack of audible voices often makes them more powerful. That sounds stupid or maybe precious but it’s true. I can’t imagine how totally ruined Charlie Chaplin’s line “You can see now?” from City Lights would be if we could hear it, or if you could actually hear the man calling to his wife near the end of F.W. Murnau’s Sunrise instead of a lone horn.
Anyway, in this movie, there’s one shot which is my favorite; it has one (human) subject, takes place on a staircase, and is probably one of the most relatable images there can be.
I’d recommend the movie. I’m sure by now I’ve oversold it. I mean it’s not the greatest movie ever, but it’s appealing. It’s a good throwback.
4 months ago • 0 notes