The Artist Critique

1) Describe the film.
The Artist is a black and white silent film set in the late 1920's and 1930's.  It is the story of a silent film star, George Valentin, who goes from being on top of Hollywood to being in bankruptcy.  While he's on top, George meets Peppy Miller, a woman who goes from being a nobody to rising to the top as "talkies" become the new big thing.  The two obviously have a connection from the time they meet, and as George crashes and burns (literally), Peppy helps lift him back up as the two discover the next big thing of being a tap dancing duo.
2) How is the story driven?  By the characters or plot?
The story is driven by both characters and plot.  Because the film was silent, the main focus was simply on their ability to act with their facial expressions and body language.  George and Peppy were extremely lovable characters without even having to speak.  In that way, the story was character driven; however, it was also the plot of their story that drove the film.  I was constantly wondering when George and Peppy would get together and how their story would play out.  Additionally, the story took a turn as George entered a depression.  I enjoyed the movie not only because it had great plot, but also because I loved the characters.
3) Talk about the cinematography.  How was the use of lighting, acting, camera angles scene development used to help enhance the film?
Filming the movie in black and white was very effective.  I especially enjoyed the beginning when the point of view switched between people watching a film, and George behind the screen, and actually seeing the film.  That really created a good idea of what watching a film in the late 1920's was like.  The film looked old fashioned while at the same time using modern technology and seeming modern in that way.
4) What was you favorite scene from the film?  Why? Describe the scene as well as how it was shot.
My favorite scenes were when Peppy first comes to the set of George's movie and they do the tap dancing sequence back and forth.  There is such anticipation for when they will actually see and recognize each other as they are separated by that screen.  Additionally, I love the way the scene when Peppy is racing to George's house and he is contemplating killing himself was shot.  Specifically, I was really impressed with the scene when George has the gun pointed up his mouth, and there is a screen that says BANG!, but then shows that it was actually Peppy crashing the car and rushing into see George.  The fact that that scene was silent made it even more suspenseful.
5) What is the experience of watching a silent film like? How does it relate to watching a "talkie"?
Watching a silent film makes you focus more on the film.  Sometimes when I'm watching a "talkie", I do other things and don't pay attention because I'm "listening" to it (when in reality I'm just not focused on it).  I was surprised at how much I felt like I actually got to know the characters, despite the lack of dialogue.  The experience is similar to watching a "talkie" for that reason: you still love the characters, and follow everything that is going on with them.
6) Would you encourage others to view the film?  Why or why not?
I would definitely encourage others to view The Artist.  I did not think that I would really enjoy watching a silent film because I thought it would be boring, but I was very pleasantly surprised with how much I loved it.  I think it was a great story and it made me appreciate the time period and the simplicity of watching a silent film.