10 out of 10
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| Jean Dujardin watching in silence |
Its easy to forget how endearing and affecting human beings can be when you can't hear the noises coming out of their mouths. This is just the outer layer of genius that is Michel Hazanavicius'
The Artist. In truth, the brilliance cuts deep. Making a silent film in this day and age is clever enough in my book, but bringing the form back to life in a story about the demise of the form itself takes it levels beyond. It is not a novelty, but stirs its method in with purpose to create its riches. Not only is it smart in this sense, but the film has great draw as well. The performances are especially good, carried with authenticity of a type not studied or seen in many a decade.
Anyone that thinks any of the other films has a chance at the Oscars this year is in a world of dreams. Not only for all of the above, but because this film is about filmmaking. A Hollywood tribute to the times of old where the magic first started, and the only way to beat magic is with miracles, which I think is what it would take.
