The Artist by Michel Hazanavicius

The black and white silent movie seems long forgotten in our 3D/4D film industry world, and this is why the successful attempt by director Michel Hazanavicius to capture the atmosphere and feeling of 1920s Hollywood style is so much more respectable. Unexpected details are refreshing and add value to the movie as a whole.

George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) was the red carpet star of silent movies, and the sudden shift to sound leaves him shouting in what he can do the best - silence. The fear of not being needed, the inability to adapt to new situations, and being replaced by the younger generation, lead George to a great depression. These topics and fears are far from alien for most people, and this is why the movie is easy to relate to. One great role, both in the writing and the performance, is the young, beautiful, enthusiastic newcomer Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), whose appearance is uplifting not just for George but also for the audience.

Although the middle section of the movie was slow, and the promising beginning made me hope for more unexpected turns, the ending was the real cherry on this cake.

By Merli Antsmaa