I must admit I was a little dubious as I settled in my seat at the Apollo Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. As I shredded my many layers against the cold, I enjoyed the intimate atmosphere that accompanied a small theatre and even managed to engage in conversation with fellow audience members. I am not one for silent films or even black and white films but wanting to treat my husband who is a big fan of both, I found myself reserving tickets. As the screen illuminates at the start, you are instantly taken back in time and it was a completely new experience for me to read through the credits before the film actually began.
The film opens in 1927 in the days of Hollywoodland and the power of the music literally moved me to a different place and time altogether. Although I cherished the window into my grandparent’s entertainment, I felt totally set apart. I was sometimes frustrated during key moments of the film when dialogue was key and yet we could not hear what was being said. In fact the cinema was so quiet at times that I could even hear a man sitting two rows in front of me chewing his popcorn.
Having said this, the film is very poetic in parts and the cinematography is breathtaking. I do not like to give away too much of the storyline in my reviews but what I will add is that I found the story very heartbreaking and reminiscent of many artists today and I found myself very close to tears. The story is ultimately about loyalty, love, friendship and pride. Slightly predictable but well worth those BAFTAs.
The film has the sprinkling of Americanisation with John Goodman acting in one of the key roles but what really charmed me the most was how very far apart the entire production was to the dramatised special effects that we are all used to these days. Unfortunately born of a different generation and time I sometimes found it hard to follow the story. Dialogue is essential in life today and I could not help but walk away feeling I was only told half the story.
I hope you will not let this put you off watching The Artist. In my opinion it is still well worth it and I would happily watch it again. The film is wonderfully crafted and I feel privileged to have tasted cinema history.
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