The Artist- Two Years Late...

So I was immediately turned off of The Artist when I heard that it was essentially a silent picture in black and white. I saw it on the dollar shelf of Family Video and figured it was about time. The movie is an interesting picture about the demise of the silent film, an art form, in favor of the classless "talky". The appearance of sound in film did indeed ruin the acting career of a few actors of that period. I believe the true story is of Rudolph Valentino, a silent film star who resisted the "talking" picture, I believe my freshman history teacher said it was because he had a high-pitched voice, to paraphrase. This film stars at his incredible peak where he dominated the silent film era as the top leading man. He's at the peak of the film industry and is rich, famous, and adored. His marriage is already loveless and strange though, a theme that continues throughout. In one of his final silent film he's introduced to an actress who storms on the scene by stumbling into paparazzi photos with him named Peppy Miller. She storms onto the scene and becomes the next "it" thing during the first films with sound while Valentino falls into despair. He denounces the new films and promises to keep the silent film strong, a real film & art form. He throws all his money into a silent film he directs, produces, and stars in. It inevitably tanks and he's sent spiraling into despair. All without sound his downfall is painfully portrayed. The acting in this film is top notch. The only cast members I knew heading in were John Goodman and James Cromwell, the two leads are actually French. Bottom Line: 8.4 out of 10. Just an excellent picture despite the complete lack of technology. It was awesome to view this film because it's beautifully acted and done. It's obviously a "tad" boring, but it's a beautifully done film for people who appreciate that side of the medium. I'd rent it for sure if you appreciate fine cinematography and acting.