For many people, the fact that a black and white silent movie can play the multiplexes of the world and lead the Oscar nomination list in 2011is a reason to celebrate. The movie in question is marvellou, part pastiche, part loving tribute to a long-gone era. But the thing is, everyone shouting about The Artist is only half right. Sure, it looks gorgeous thanks to Guillaume Schiffman’s luminous monochrome cinematography.
But The Artist is no silent movie.
(some spoilers after the cut.)
Continue reading Hearing Things: The Artist and the illusion of silence
EXCUSES AND HALF TRUTHS 