Film Review: THE ARTIST (2011) – Re-Visited

Writer/Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Running time: 97 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

Genre: Romance/Comedy/Drama
UK Release date: 30^th December 2011

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 17^th February 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

A film that won 7 BAFTA’s and 5 Oscars (including best film in both); I thought it worthy of a second look when it premiered on TV this week. What follows is more or less the same review that I wrote when I saw the film in the Cinema (about a year ago), with a few tweaks here and there. The fact is, I still feel the same about it, which, I guess, is testament to the filmmakers. Hope you enjoy it!

I must say I was impressed with the film, despite being silent, in black and white and in a 4:3 aspect ratio it still had some great performances and a great story (& that’s the important bit Hollywood!). There is much to admire here and I hope those that have seen it will give me some feedback on their experience of the film. I will give you my thoughts after this brief summary.

George Valentin is a very successful silent film star; adored by his fans, he makes epic adventures with his ever-faithful dog by his side. After the premiere of his latest film in 1927 he literally bumps into a young actress called Peppy Miller. George’s boss, Al Zimmer, is less than pleased when it is her picture on the front of all the papers the following day. Peppy gets a job as an extra at George’s studio and he ends up giving her her first big break. They go their separate ways and she goes from strength to strength. Meanwhile, Al Zimmer wants to embrace the new technology; talking pictures. George does not think it will catch on and is against it. But eventually the studio puts all its efforts into the ‘talkies’ and George is left out in the cold. What follows is his sad decline, but more than one person is looking out for him. I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police (Silent Division) will sneak up and arrest me without making a sound.

Very well made with a beautiful musical score by Ludovic Bource, it really set the tone and held the film together brilliantly. The performances were all excellent, I guess acting in silent films is not an art that’s practiced a lot these days, but everyone did a great job! In particular the leading characters; Jean Dujardin as George Valentin and Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller. Also worthy of note were; John Goodman as Al Zimmer, James Cromwell as Clifton, Penelope Ann Miller as Doris and there’s a brief appearance from Malcolm McDowell as The Butler. Oh, and I mustn’t forget Georges faithful canine Uggie as The Dog.

I found this film a breath of fresh air; it took me back to Saturday morning TV when they used to show the odd silent movie. A simple love story with some great acting and a brilliant musical score really hit the mark. I did find, though, that George’s decline went on a little too long, just when you thought he’d hit bottom there was a little further to go. But that’s the only criticism I have, it’s beautifully made in the style of the time and, although it may not be for everyone. A marginally lower score this time around; I guess it didn’t quite have the same impact it did on the big screen… Still well worth a look though!

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.4/10.

IMDb Score: 8.1/10 (based on 108,152 votes when this review was written).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1655442/

MetaScore: 89/100: (Based on 41 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 98/100 (based on 218 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 88/100 (based on 48,167 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_artist/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Al Zimmer: Perfect!

George Valentin: With pleasure.

Doris: I'm unhappy.
George Valentin: So are millions of us.

George Valentin: Look at what you've become. You've become proud! You've become stupid!

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheArtist.TWC
Official Site: http://weinsteinco.com/sites/the-artist/
Trailer:

Film Review: THE GREEN MILE (1999)

Director: Frank Darabont
Writers: Stephen King (novel), Frank Darabont (screenplay)
Running time: 181 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

Genre: Crime/Drama/Fantasy
UK Release date: 3^rd March 2000

Watched on DVD Sunday 21^st October 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Partly because I love this film and partly as a bit of a tribute to the actor Michael Clarke Duncan who sadly passed away last month, I opted for ‘The Green Mile’ for my Sunday viewing this week. I did have another film in mind but couldn’t find the disc, which was a tad frustrating, but it led me to this film instead and I must say I’m really glad it did! As a fan of the novels of Stephen King I do try to see any movie adaptations of his work; usually with varying results. Fortunately this one was directed by Frank Darabont so I knew we were in safe hands. I have to say, for the record, I have seen it before but that was some years ago now. Here’s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

We begin in a retirement home where an old man, Paul Edgecomb, begins to relate a story about the year 1935 when he was prison guard at the Cold Mountain Correctional Facility. They call Death Row “The Green Mile” because of the dark green linoleum that tiles the floor, and that’s where Edgecomb had charge. His fellow guards included; Brutus ‘Brutal’ Howell, Dean Stanton, Harry Terwilliger and Percy Wetmore who used his family connections to keep the job despite his total lack of compassion for it. This was the year that one John Coffey was to come to the Mile and he was going to affect everyone’s life there. There was something very special about John, something that would be hard to explain and so I won’t try; I’ll leave you to watch the film and make up your own mind about it.

Very well made with a beautifully understated musical score by Thomas Newman, it underpins the action perfectly and works very well. All the performances were great; particularly Michael Clarke Duncan who fully deserved his 2000 Oscar nomination for his portrayal of John Coffey. As usual, Tom Hanks puts in a flawless performance as Paul Edgecomb (the younger version of course). Also worthy of note were; David Morse as Brutus ‘Brutal’ Howell, Bonnie Hunt as Edgecomb’s wife, Jan, James Cromwell as Warden Hal Moores, Michael Jeter as Eduard Delacroix, Graham Greene as Arlen Bitterbuck, Doug Hutchison as Percey Wetmore, Sam Rockwell as ‘Wild Bill’ Wharton, Barry Pepper as Dean Stanton and Jeffrey DeMunn as Harry Terwilliger. Oh and not forgetting the mouse (or mice) who appeared as ‘Mr Jingles’.

The film has quite a slow pace that allows the audience to become familiar with the characters and the comings and goings on ‘The Mile’. With most of the action taking place in the one location I thought the director did a good job of using different angles and even the odd special effect to keep it visually interesting. Because you become so invested in the characters, it is three hours long after all, it does tend to get a bit emotional towards the end. This is probably one of the reasons I love this film so much. Stephen King does write such well rounded and interesting characters and Frank Darabont has the knack of being able to translate them to the screen. In my book this is one of the very best adaptations of King’s work and one that will stay with me for a very long time.

SteelMonster’s verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My score: 9.1/10

IMDb Score: 8.5/10 (based on 349,346 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0120689/

MetaScore: 61/100: (Based on 36 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 80/100 (based on 132 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 93/100 ‘Liked it’ (based on 719,255 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/green_mile/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Old Paul Edgecomb: They usually call death row the Last Mile, but we called ours the Green Mile, because the floor was the colour of faded limes. We had the electric chair then. Old Sparky, we called it. I've lived a lot of years, Ellie, but 1935 takes the prize. That was the year I had the worst urinary infection of my life. That was also the year of John Coffey and the two dead girls.

Paul Edgecomb: Your name is John Coffey?
John Coffey: Yes sir boss. Like the drink, only not spelled the same.

Paul Edgecomb: What did you just do to me?
John Coffey: I helped it. Didn't I help it? I just took it back, is all. Awful tired now, boss. Dog tired.

John Coffey: I'm smellin' me some cornbread.
Paul Edgecomb: It's from my mises. She wanted to thank you.
John Coffey: Thank me for what?
Paul Edgecomb: Well, you know...
[whispering]
Paul Edgecomb: For a helping me.
John Coffey: Helping you with what?
Paul Edgecomb: You know.
[Paul points to his groin]
John Coffey: [John smiles] Ohh. Was your misses pleased?
Paul Edgecomb: [Paul nods] Several times.

Bill Dodge: I think this boy's cheese has done slid off his cracker.

Paul Edgecomb: John, do you know where we're taking you?
John Coffey: Help a lady?
Brutus "Brutal" Howell: That's right. But how do you know?
John Coffey: Don't know. To tell the truth, Boss, I don't know much'o anything.

Paul Edgecomb: On the day of my judgment, when I stand before God, and He asks me why did I kill one of his true miracles, what am I gonna say? That it was my job? My job?
John Coffey: You tell God the Father it was a kindness you done. I know you hurtin' and worryin', I can feel it on you, but you oughta quit on it now. Because I want it over and done. I do. I'm tired, boss. Tired of bein' on the road, lonely as a sparrow in the rain. Tired of not ever having me a buddy to be with, or tell me where we's coming from or going to, or why. Mostly I'm tired of people being ugly to each other. I'm tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world everyday. There's too much of it. It's like pieces of glass in my head all the time. Can you understand?
Paul Edgecomb: Yes, John. I think I can.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Trailer:

Film Review: THE ARTIST (2011)

Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Writer: Michel Hazanavicius (Scenario and dialogue)
Running time: 100 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

Genre: Romance/Comedy/Drama
UK Release date: 30^th December 2011

Watched at the cinema Saturday 18^th February 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Having gained some notoriety, and seven BAFTA’s including Best Director and Best Film, my local cinema decided to finally show ‘The Artist’. I had resigned myself to a DVD (or TV) viewing at some point in the future, but those nice people at ‘The Picture House’ came through for me. I must say I was impressed with the film, despite being silent, in black and white and in a 4:3 aspect ratio it still had some great performances and a great story (& that’s the important bit Hollywood!). I will give you my thoughts after this brief summary.

George Valentin is a very successful silent film star; adored by his fans, he makes epic adventures with his ever-faithful dog by his side. After the premiere of his latest film in 1927 he literally bumps into a young actress called Peppy Miller. George’s boss, Al Zimmer, is less than pleased when it is her picture on the front of all the papers the following day. Peppy gets a job as an extra at George’s studio and he ends up giving her her first big break. They go their separate ways and she goes from strength to strength. Meanwhile, Al Zimmer wants to embrace the new technology; talking pictures. George does not think it will catch on and is against it. But eventually the studio puts all its efforts into the ‘talkies’ and George is left out in the cold. What follows is his sad decline, but more than one person is looking out for him. I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police (Silent Division) will sneak up and arrest me without making a sound.

Very well made with a beautiful musical score by Ludovic Bource, it really set the tone and held the film together brilliantly. The performances were all excellent, I guess acting in silent films is not an art that’s practiced a lot these days, but everyone did a great job! In particular the leading characters; Jean Dujardin as George Valentin and Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller. Also worthy of note were; John Goodman as Al Zimmer, James Cromwell as Clifton, Penelope Ann Miller as Doris and there’s a brief appearance from Malcolm McDowell as The Butler. Oh, and I mustn’t forget Georges faithful canine Uggie as The Dog.

I found this film a breath of fresh air; it took me back to Saturday morning TV when they used to show the odd silent movie. A simple love story with some great acting and a brilliant musical score really hit the mark (for me). I did find, though, that George’s decline went on a little too long, just when you thought he’d hit bottom there was a little further to go. But that’s the only criticism I have, it’s beautifully made in the style of the time and, although it may not be for everyone, it’s still one I have no problem in deeming… Recommended.

My score: 8.6/10.

IMDb Score: 8.4/10 (based on 28,029 votes when this review was written).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1655442/

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 97/100 (based on 191 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 91/100 (based on 24,406 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_artist/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Al Zimmer: Perfect!

George Valentin: With pleasure.

Doris: I'm unhappy.
George Valentin: So are millions of us.

George Valentin: Look at what you've become. You've become proud! You've become stupid!

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://weinsteinco.com/sites/the-artist/static.html
Trailer: