Movie Review: The Artist

This past weekend Stefan and I had a 'kid free weekend'. This normally necessities itself about every 5-6 weeks, when we stop and realize we haven't been on a date in over a month! One or two grandparents will take over for the weekend, spending quality time with Lu and Ani and giving us about 36 hours to do as we please. We usually try to find time to relax, go out to eat or do something special like a movie, do house projects that are much easier when not interpreted, and get together with friends. This time...we did all of those. It was a packed weekend but very fun, and I didn't have to cook for three meals--superb!

On Saturday evening we decided to use up some Christmas gifts--movie bucks--and go to a unique movie called The Artist. The movie is a black and white silent film, but modernized with a few sounds when relevant to the plot. The story is about a silent film actor who is popular in the 20s, and his demise of fame (leading to his self-worth spiraling downward), his encounter with an up-and-coming star who is in love with him, and how he gains back his self respect with the help of a few unlikely friends.

Although I've seen plenty of black and white films before, I'd never seen a true 'silent' film, where all actions play out the drama, and when a few speaking lines are necessary, the screen is fitted with their lines/dialogue. It was a really fun movie to watch since it was unique to me, especially seeing that in the theaters. The music and acting was excellent. The two main characters, and the dog, were full of heart and the audience loved them both. Not many movies are worth the outrageous $9-10 per person, but this one was. We were both very happy with the choice and felt the cost was worth the movie. I would probably see this again when it comes out on netflix, and I recommend it to anyone who loves artsy movies, old-fashioned black and whites, humor and drama, or has a thing for the roaring twenties. A high 4 out of 5 stars for all characteristics listed above, this was a fun show!

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