**FILM ONLY REVIEW** The Artist's biggest selling point (and its biggest criticism in some circles) is the fact it is a silent movie. There were questions whether or not such a film could interest audiences in this current generation, which is ironic since the film's plot concerns that very question when popular silent-movie actor, George Valentin (played expertly by Jean Dujardin), finds his success threatened by the advent of 'talkie' films. Determined to stick to the voiceless medium which made his name, Valentin, funds his own silent feature which opens on the same day as the latest talkie, starring an extra on one of his earlier movies, whom he'd helped ...  Read the complete review

Let's be honest: The Artist is a film that relies on a gimmick, a clever, well-used gimmick certainly; but a gimmick nonetheless. The gimmick in question? The Artist is a loving tribute to the era of silent films and silent film stars... filmed as a silent film. That's right: the whole film is made entirely in black and white and, apart from approximately 2 minutes, the whole thing is without any dialogue or any sound beyond the tinkling piano soundtrack. Filming a tribute to the silent movies of the 20s as an actual silent movie might sound a bit poncy and pretentious, but the simple fact is that it works. Not only does it work, it actually improves the film. ...  Read the complete review

*Film only review* Plot: Set in the late 1920's, The Artist follows silent movie star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) through the highs of his Hollywood career and the challenges presented by the introduction of talkies. Written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius (OSS 117). The film is winner of 5 Oscars (out of 10 nominations) including best picture, director and actor (Dujardin). Also winner of 7 BAFTAs (12 noms) and 3 Golden Globes (6 noms). Review: There was so much hype surrounding The Artist in the run up to its release that I had to see what all the fuss was about. I had to know whether the film was actually ...  Read the complete review

Film Only Review: When my friend suggested going to the cinema to see 'The Artist' I was not very enthusiastic about it. I'd heard a lot about the film which is branded as a 'silent movie' and had just seen it win the Acadamy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Original Score at 2012's Oscars. This is infact one of the biggest reasons I was dubious about going to see it. Out of the last ten Best Picture winners at the Oscars I've enjoyed only two and the rest I thought were a pretentious yawn fest. A black and white silent movie starring French actors who were unkown to me sounded like it would probably go on my list of arty-farty films ...  Read the complete review