The Academy Awards are the biggest annual party that Hollywood throws for itself, and The Artist is a movie that worships Hollywood. Looks like a done deal.
Clearly this reviewer doesnt know how to look into what a film is saying, it hardly worships Hollywood, more often than not, and rightly so, it degrades it. He goes on to add in his pointless critique that:
The Artist is, in my opinion, not only frivolous its irresponsible in its glorification of fame, fortune, and glamour.
Is The Artist glorifying these things or is it in-fact painting a picture of reality? Hollywood is a place where everyone lies; its the basis of the movie business. Everyone wants to be rich and famous and have their faces everywhere. Its not a good thing, but its truth which Overstreet cant see for reality. This film boasts a stellar cast that includes its stars, Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo; it also features Malcolm McDowell, John Goodman and James Cromwell. The only thing that could improve the cast is Daniel Day-Lewis acting as a director of some sort although hopefully better than he did as a director in Nine. The film also includes great music, primarily composed by Ludovic Bource, it also features Bernard Herrmanns great Scene DAmour from Alfred Hitchcocks great but highly overrated Vertigo, released in 1958. Concerning the piece of music used from Vertigo, Kim Novak responded to its use not in kind by alleging that rape had been committed. One can only assume she feels this way because Vertigo is the only thing she is known for, aside from that, she is a truly awful actress with no talent to push. Particular praise for acting must go to Bejo, whose portrayal of Peppy Miller was beautiful to watch, particularly when the was given that faux beauty spot, a small spot that was well received by male audiences, particularly myself. This is not to downplay Dujardins performance, which was wonderful of course, as he tilted the emotions of his character so well through his body language and facial expressions, two things a silent star relies on. One feels that Dujardin would certainly have been better suited to a career in silent cinema, as he hasnt received that much attention prior to The Artist. Now though, he is playing a part in Martin Scorseses latest picture, The Wolf Of Wall Street. But by far the most noteworthy cast members is Uggie, a Jack Russell Terrier who also appeared in Water for Elephants - one of Robert Pattinsons best acting efforts - who plays Jack the dog. Jack is noted for saving the life of his owner or friend George, as he sets alight his private film collection and passes out from smoke inhalation. Jack then runs down the street and comes across a police officer who follows the dog to the burning house. Uggie is also an award winner, winning the Cannes Palm Dog Award. A case has been made for Uggie to be awarded an Academy Award, which to be honest is taking it a little farther than it needs to be. Throughout the film resonates and grows a romantic bond between Valentin and Miller, even as they are separated by his declining career and bankruptcy and her rising stardom and fortune. When she reads of his hospitalization after he burnt down his home, Peppy visits him in hospital and discovers the film reel he was found clutching as his home went up in flames. It was her first film. In the end they make a film together, and we can go on to assume that Valentin has a successful sound career as-well as a successful life with Peppy. I suppose its fair to fictionally assume that they will get married and spend their lives together, in that sense they are like one Hollywood couple, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Forget what I said at the beginning of this article about The Artist being
one of the finest films made this century so far, it
is the finest film made this century so far. Do you agree? Share your thoughts below in the comments.