The story is set in 1927-31, at the end of George Valentin's career as a silent film star and the rise of Peppy Miller as one of the first film stars of the "talkies." I was pretty caught up in the entire film, which also benefits from one of the cutest and smartest Jack Russell terriers I've seen since Benny (The Smitten Image's dog). When I watched the Golden Globes, I noticed that the dog went up to the stage with the other actors, and rightly so. He was simply awesome in the movie.
The movie isn't everybody's cup of tea, being that it's in black and white and there's no spoken dialogue. At all. Towards the end of the film, there's a bit of tap dancing (which I loved) and at the very end you hear a teeny bit of dialogue. The rest of the time (other than one tiny little piece) it's either quiet or there's music. But it's obvious what is going on, and I can see why Jean Dujardin got Best Actor. He's good and certainly easy to look at. So is Berenice Bejo, his love interest. I enjoyed it very much and would be interested in hearing what other people thought of the movie. It earned a 97% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The music was a big part of the movie, since it helped to tell the story, and I can see why the score won.
Judy and I went to dinner after the movie and discussed our feelings about it. She didn't like it as much as I did, but our tastes in movies diverge somewhat. I'm looking forward to hearing what movies will make it to the Oscars (nominations out next week), but I think I've seen the majority of the ones I hope will be nominated. It's the first time I've been exposed to a full-length silent movie, and I have to say it was definitely worth the price of admission. Plus I'm in a good mood after dinner and the movie, which is worth quite a bit.
:-)
Thanks for this review, DJan. I was also intrigued with the idea of a silent film and of course couldn't help notice the Benny look-alike. I may just have to see it now. Thanks for the linkage. :)
ReplyDeleteDavid is the only one who watches movies in our family. He said he definitely does not want to watch a black and white silent film.
ReplyDeleteWe like 'different' movies, old movies, foreign movies, and even regular popular movies. We'll probably watch this one, but not until it's available to see at home in some fashion. Unless I save up enough grocery points to get a 'night out at the movies' pass, that is.
ReplyDeleteIt seems it would provide an entirely different and unique experience, using your senses in a quieter way. I haven't seen it, but hope to soon. It's always fun (well, usually), to at least see something a bit different.
ReplyDeleteI will have to watch for this movie. Sounds like a gooder.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely. We were tickled to read the other day that some people had walked out and demanded their money back when they realised it was both black and white and silent. I have to wonder how they research which movie they go to.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing the movie. Sounds too interesting to pass up. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awesome and like something I would love. I hope I'll get to see it soon ;)
ReplyDeletenice...i had a similar reaction after the globes...but have yet to see it...it is intriguing...
ReplyDeleteI def. want to see this film, DJan....it intrigues me and the idea of a silent movie mesmerizes me. I have heard nothing but good things about it.
ReplyDeleteWe saw We Bought A Zoo last night (Matt Damon, Scarlett Johannson) and it was terrific...
Love love love the movies....lol
As a lifetime movie lover, I can hardly wait till this comes out on DVD so I can see it. One of the things I miss about being housebound is going to the actual movie theater to catch certain movies when they have just hit the streets. This would have been one of them. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest and say that when I saw it on the Golden Globes, it just didn't pique my interest. However, now that you're recommending it, I'll put it on my list... if nothing else, to see the dog.
ReplyDeleteI have read a little about this movie and it does intrigue me. I have watched some of the classic silent movies on late night tv and many of them are quite good especially when you consider the equipment they had to work with back then. It would be very interesting to see a modern day version of the silent screen. Thanks for the review DJan, glad to hear you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteVery good review on the Movie DJan - I think the problem with most people today is that there is so much ACTION in most movies made, that they would find a BnW Silent boring. A great majority of people today have a very short attention span in their hurried lives and I really believe they could not sit down long enough to "Get Into The Silent Movie", which does require paying attention to the movie, or lose details in the movie. I find myself racing along with the plot in BnWSilent and figuring out the end before it happens. Love the difference these films take one back to and respect what has been achieved over the years. Having said that, isn't it nice to experience another time?
ReplyDeleteI'll check it out. A silent film. Wow.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like something I would like to watch with my sister. I agree with SaucyKod about everyone now having such short attention spans. I think it sounds like a wonderful way to sit and really watch a movie.
ReplyDeleteDear DJan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I was intrigued by the movie before. Now I'm committed to seeing it. But whether that will be in the theater or on a DVD, I don't know yet.
I did so like the Jack Russell dog--Eddie--who starred in "Frasier" on television several years ago. I think he was a Jack Russell. It was clear how intelligent he was. I loved the way he cocked his head to listen to Frasier's father.
Thanks for bringing back this memory to me. And I'll let you know my thoughts on the movie once I've seen it.
Peace.
I only watched part of the Golden Globes..I found the humor and language offensive..am I too much of an old lady or what? We rarely go to the Movies..Far Guy wants to see Red Tails..I might go along.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed your night out:)
I know what I like and what I don't like.... thus when I don't have a clue except for an intriguing recommendation, being curious I no doubt will check it out.... :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the Kings Speech and hope it was nominated.
I want to see it, just because it is so highly rated and will be winning awards. I like to be able to have my own impression of things that are in the media.
ReplyDeleteWe passed on it the other night and saw 'Incredible Loud' instead, which we both liked very much. We were wondering why it isn't being suggested for any awards.
Definitely, I want to see this. If nothing else, it is something different but I have to wait for the DVD. Theaters are like airports to me anymore. I have no patience with people.
ReplyDeleteI've heard it is an absolutely beautiful film and the trailer makes it look to be quite intriguing. Thanks for the review DJan.
I have this on my list to see movies, didn't know if I would like the silence but am determined to give it a try. Sounds like a wonderful evening DJan....:-)Hugs
ReplyDeleteI hadn't paid much attention, but now you've got me interested. I think the words "tap dance" were a big factor. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, I heard about this yesterday. Apparently it's going down a storm in England at the moment too. I'm glad and surprised that you liked it and can't wait to see it myself.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I can't wait to see the Oscar nominations.
It sounds interesting. I make a point of never reading reviews until after I have seen the film. As it turns out some of the most underrated films I have thought well done and the big box office winners I have thought are dogs.
ReplyDeleteI stopped believing in the Academy Awards back when "Airplane" got Best Picture. The corniest film I have ever seen! "The Right Stuff" was shortly behind that. ugh
I'm glad you enjoyed this one DJan! I saw it a couple of weeks ago and absolutely loved it! It's one I'll definitely be buying on dvd when it comes out! :o)
ReplyDeleteBut I can get that it won't be everyone's cup of tea... or at least that's what they'll think! B/W + silent? If only they would give it a chance I'm sure many more people would love it as well!
I'm not sure about that one. I bet it is great but I would drag my feet a little. My husband would have lead feet!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing this movie, DJan. I hadn't heard about it and I think it sounds great. It's one that Kailyn and I will check out, as I don't think it will interest my husband!
ReplyDeleteThere was another movie you mentioned a few months ago that I was interested in, but now I've forgotten what it was. I really don't go to movies very often . . . not sure why, I just don't think about it! (Might be cause I also don't watch TV, and have a hard time sitting still more than 20-30 minutes!)
Anyway, I appreciate your introduction to something new to me!