THE ARTIST Discussion Thread - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamotv 

Any suggestions for a Silent Movie noob like myself?   I've seen Metropolis and the Charlie Chaplin stuff, what else is out there? 

Keaton > Chaplin

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamotv 
Any suggestions for a Silent Movie noob like myself?   I've seen Metropolis and the Charlie Chaplin stuff, what else is out there? 

To champion a wonderful few that aren't always included in the usual suspects, look to Dreyer's VAMPYR, Pabst's PANDORA'S BOX, or Epstein's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER.

I wish I'd seen this before all the hype, because I couldn't help but judge it against it, and sadly found it lacking.  I enjoyed, it's charming and clever, but not in service to anything greater than charm and cleverness.  What's the point of such an exacting recreation of a form if you're not going to comment on or tweak that form?  There are a few inspired deviations -- the dream sequence (which I honestly hoped would take over the film), "BANG!" -- but for the most part, it's a very slight story pulled off with a visual gimmick.  I was entertained, but 11 Oscar nominations puzzles the hell out of me.

I saw it opening weekend in NY, and even I wasn't in before the hype. I must admit, the audience totally ate it up, including my SO. But then, I bet they can't remember what they loved about it by now. 

You know, I thought it was going to be good, but I ended up liking it a whole lot!

It is funny and dramatic, very cleverly written. It takes the trapping of the silent film era and tosses them around, taking our expectations into consideration. Not to mention the performances from all actors involved are superb. The main leads, John Goodman, all of them are able to embellish their physical performances a bit without making it overly theatrical. One of the scenes that really sticks out is when the lead character, George, has to continuously do takes with the lead female, Peppy, in which he must dance with her and then move on to a different dancer. Before each take, you can see in his face exactly what he is thinking, how he likes this girl but must 'get into character' before each take. Things like that is what really made the film great for me.

It's bathed in nostalgia, for sure, but it ends up making the movie very sweet.

I actually did a podcast episode on the film if you want to hear more: http://ryanestabrooks.com/Podcasts.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Dickson 

I wish I'd seen this before all the hype, because I couldn't help but judge it against it, and sadly found it lacking.  I enjoyed, it's charming and clever, but not in service to anything greater than charm and cleverness.  What's the point of such an exacting recreation of a form if you're not going to comment on or tweak that form?  There are a few inspired deviations -- the dream sequence (which I honestly hoped would take over the film), "BANG!" -- but for the most part, it's a very slight story pulled off with a visual gimmick.  I was entertained, but 11 Oscar nominations puzzles the hell out of me.

When that glass clanked, I thought, wow, this will be amazing to see where this is going.  My next thought was, please don't be a dream.  After that the scene the film just fell apart for me.  It was a decent enough film, just nothing spectacular.  Reminded me of Hugo a lot in that respect.  

There's a great article on AV Club about how the Oscars basically turn thoroughly okay movies into bad ones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgardevice 

 

When that glass clanked, I thought, wow, this will be amazing to see where this is going.  My next thought was, please don't be a dream.  After that the scene the film just fell apart for me.

I wouldn't say it fell apart for me, but I was disappointed that a really interesting opportunity was missed.  Up that point, I was holding out hope that the hype was genuine, and that this would be the reason why.  Then it just kept on being a well-made silent movie.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/6cddad07b7/jean-dujardin-s-villain-auditions

That skit...

Like The Artist...

Fun idea.  Lacking in execution! 

But man, Dujardin is a CHARMER!

GIVE IT ALL THE OSCARS!!!

Yeah, this has been way overrated.

Some thoughts, bouncing off of what others have said:

- Why was Malcolm McDowell in this? He does nothing except over-indicate at the front page of Variety. Did he just happen to be on a neighboring set? Oh well, I guess he'll finally be in a Best Picture winner.

- When did Penelope Ann Miller turn into Naomi Watts with a fake nose?

- What did the cop supposedly say that made George flip his shit? "Nice boots"?

- Okay, as a dog lover, I gotta say you do not have your "hero" get drunk and set the apartment on fire, endangering the dog, and expect me to give a fuck about said "hero" any more.

- The Vertigo callout just made me wish I had Vertigo on Blu-ray NOW.

- Cromwell was the movie's MVP, if anyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Blank 

 

- Why was Malcolm McDowell in this? He does nothing except over-indicate at the front page of Variety. Did he just happen to be on a neighboring set? Oh well, I guess he'll finally be in a Best Picture winner.

 

- When did Penelope Ann Miller turn into Naomi Watts with a fake nose?

 

- What did the cop supposedly say that made George flip his shit? "Nice boots"?

 

HAHAHAH.  YES!

This movie had such a weird cast.

http://freeunqualifiedlifecoaching.com/2012/02/05/non-sequiturs-anchorman-finally-to-get-the-oscar-it-so-richly-deserves/

This thread makes me shake my head in sadness.