The Artist--A Silent Film in Black and White

In our modern world, this movie is a gift.  Today we can say whatever we want to whomever we want without regard to distance, timing or courtesy.  Texts buzz in, ringtones sound off, and videos go viral in a swirl of global communication; but when you watch this movie, your world becomes silent and communication becomes mulit-faceted.  Your mind becomes engrossed in the story because you have to pay attention to facial expressions, sequencing, reactions, and environmental clues.  It engages you in communication in a very human way--a skill that may be waning in our modern society.  It uses "old" style film making, but combines it smartly with a logical and artistic use of modern techniques, such as unusual camera angles and special effects.  These, however, are limited to story telling, never exploited.  Notice the pantomime used to show that a chorus girl has a crush on "the artist," (an old technique) and just take note that the "little people" sequence looks natural, not pasted on like it usually does in early films (new technology).  I was particularly pleased that while this story has difficult relationships and temptation, it deals with them appropriately, never accepting modern amorality as the norm.  The ending is a surprise, but not of the bombshell variety, it is simply a delight.

Would I recommend this movie--YES.

**There is an obscene hand gesture in the beginning of the film.