Peterborough

God, what a contrite, poorly-acted, predictable, horrid film. I wanted to like it, but, the main actors faces were so huge on the screen, I had to look away several times from the horse teeth. It made no sense, supposed to be about love was about shallow self-centered fools who were impossible to care about. Waste of time. Aggravated me and my three friends.

2/10
nunyabusines@ - first review
4.5.2012 - age: 36-49

Won 5 Oscars! Really? What a piece of... Most boring movie ever.

2/10
iceman@ - first review
30.4.2012 - age: 36-49

When it’s over, French Director Michel Hazanayicius has done something very wonderful and unique by breathing new life to silent films. In the absence of words, Hazanayicius used music, captions, montages, and a brilliant cast to tell the story of a silent movie star named George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) who fears the emergence of the “talkies” will be the end of his career. Contrary to the film’s storyline, I think Dujardin’s excellent performance consisting of eye twitching, frowns, smiles, and body gestures will be the emergence of greater Hollywood roles to come. Berenice Bejo as Peppy Miller delivered what her name implies. She was exciting to watch and knew just how to flirt with the camera. John Goodman, James Cromwell, and Penelope Ann Miller all added to the sparkle of this gem. There was so much nostalgia about this film that watching it reminded me of other silent greats that I’ve long forgotten such as The Birth of a Nation (1915), Battleship Potemkin (1925) from the Soviet Union, and the creepy Nosferatu (1922) from Germany. There was nothing I didn’t like about The Artist. The details were spot on from the sets, to the costumes, to the look of the film stocks of a bygone era known as vintage Hollywood. Lastly, I couldn’t end this blog without mentioning George’s dog (Uggie), who definitely deserves a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and Strongheart.

9/10
aleneis@ - 7 reviews
29.4.2012 - age: 36-49

Very innovative filming. Humor with bitterness. Change is the only truth.

9/10
jgluo@ - 16 reviews
26.4.2012 - age: 36-49

Pleasure, relaxation, magic... really? This has to be the worst film I have ever watched. Boring to no end, I just cannot see why it won the Oscar for 2011. There were other films that were 100% better than this one. We were duped!

1/10
pleclerc@ - first review
16.4.2012 - age: 50+

This an excellent movie! At first, I must say I was a bit doubtful, because I saw it was a silent movie, but I still decided to go and watch it. And I must say I don't regret my decision! I laughed so much! Jean Dujardin is an incredible actor, and I must say this: to be able to communicate, not through words but through facial gestures is a rare talent. Nowadays, when an actor has to express something, he just says : you're pretty, without any emotion. And that's it! I was really impressed to see that Dujardin didn't even had to say something cause you could barely read the words in his eyes, his smile, etc. Of course, there was sometimes when it was necessary to write the words on the screen or we wouldn't understand what was happening but otherwise, it was all very clear. Now, I have to say that it was the first silent movie that I ever saw in my entire life but let me tell you this: this movie makes me want to see plenty of other silent movies! And also, I don't watch a lot of black and white movies but after, when I watched another film, in color this time, it was so weird! It practically hurt my eyes! So, I bravely recommend you this movie. It is really relaxing with the music, popcorn in yours hands, coca... You'll definitely have a good time!

9/10
mounstyle@ - first review
9.4.2012 - age: 13-17

I will admit I went to this movie unwillingly, with friends who wanted to see it. I thought maybe I would fall asleep. Wrong! It had everything - great acting, captivating characters, wonderful plot. The two words he finally speaks were thriling! One of the best movies I've seen in a long time - so glad it won its awards!

10/10
khageseth@ - first review
9.4.2012

It is a good movie to see and very interesting concerning the era of the silent movies. However, I do not believe that it deserved the award for best picture...

7/10
nick_ra@ - 55 reviews
7.4.2012 - age: 50+

Good artistic movement, went back to old times... but become quite boring after a while.

5/10
jeremyp.ro@ - 4 reviews
3.4.2012 - age: 18-25

This movie is so boring, not worth to see at the theatre really, I guess was made for very old people to remember the old days with black and white movies and no sound on them so as boring films... For those who say it's good I think hollywood has got inside your head making you think this is good, well it isn't.

4/10
jaguar-soul@ - 13 reviews
30.3.2012 - age: 26-35

A brilliantly layered and thoughtful, sexy performance by Best Actor Jean Dujardin and classic heroine Berenice Bejo is a joy. This movie is for actors, lovers, thinkers and poets. Beautiful score, editing, costumes and sets. A true masterpiece by Michel Hazanavicius is as good as anything you'll ever see in the silent genre and stands with the best Hollywood has ever done. It's the lovely little film that could and did!

10/10
dpascua@ - first review
29.3.2012 - age: 50+

Overall so far worst movie of this year!

3/10
cft_elitefitness@ - 39 reviews
21.3.2012 - age: 36-49

I definitely wasn't sure about seeing this one, I like silent films but I wasn't sure I was in the mood for it when I saw this one with my family, but I will say that I enjoyed it! Maybe not one that I would watch over and over again but worth seeing for sure!

8/10
lauren.huston7@ - 5 reviews
21.3.2012 - age: 18-25

I have to admit that I originally went to watch it because there was nothing else at the theatre. I was very reluctant, a silent movie simply didn't interest me. I was very pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end! Once I saw the movie I quickly understand that it had to be filmed this way in order to get its message across loud and clear. Truly worth seeing.

7/10
bettyboop_1958@ - 2 reviews
20.3.2012 - age: 50+

A good gimmick that works. One of he best B&W movies ever. Nostalgic without being sentimental. Filled with charm and uplifting to the human spirit.

10/10
garyglobal@ - 4 reviews
20.3.2012 - age: 50+

I would be very surprised if this movie doesn't become a true classic. Good art no matter in what form transcends time and space. That is why during the time of Vincent Van Gogh he was not considered great in his time. Nor was he invited to show his work as far as I am aware. The only paintings he sold was to his brother Theo. Very few of the artists that were showing when he was alive are known to us today. Yet his work is worth mega-millions. That is how I feel about "The Artist."

10/10
alecbecker@ - 2 reviews
20.3.2012 - age: 50+

Highly over-rated. Boring, had a good nap, however.

5/10
halperin37@ - first review
18.3.2012 - age: 50+

Very well done. I found the leads to be charismatic.

8/10
lanidracl@ - 20 reviews
16.3.2012 - age: 50+

I'm going to give this a masterpiece vote... It really was good... Based on pure acting and genius plot this movie had movement... It started a little slow, but by movement I mean it kept picking up as it went along in the interest level... If you like human interest type films this is for you...

10/10
johnnywest@ - 15 reviews
14.3.2012 - age: 36-49

It was fun to watch, very unique.

8/10
pantal@ - 63 reviews
14.3.2012 - age: 36-49

This movie had many sweet moments, although overall, it wasn't as striking as I expected. The play with sound (it's not actually a silent movie!) was interesting.

7/10
violbiol@ - 130 reviews
13.3.2012 - age: 18-25

Talk about the emperors new cloths - how could this possibly be the best picture of the year? If it was trimmed by at least 40 minutes, I would give it a 5 instead of 3. The plot was thin and shop-worn, the lead character was cardboard and unsympathetic. The leading lady had her charms, but not enough to carry the whole load.

3/10
geoheath@ - 7 reviews
12.3.2012 - age: 50+

Fantastic movie! The depth of emotion conveyed is astounding; you barely realize that it is a silent movie. Great acting throughout and the music in the background is wonderful. You can definitely see why it won so many awards: the editing was superb, the plot was amazing, the acting and cinematography were phenomenal, and the directing was spot on. As John Goodman's character said,"Perfect"!

9/10
bms@ - 2 reviews
12.3.2012 - age: 26-35

I simply do not understand--it is a movie which didn't engage me: emotionally it is a cartoon, the plot is at even a lower level, and worst of all, it is a charmless movie built on a scaffold of supposed charm. I simply do not understand what is wrong with you people--is it me?

3/10
wobar4junk@ - first review
11.3.2012 - age: 36-49

Boring I don't get how this crap won best picture, honestly it was a terrible story!!!

1/10
rodney_99@ - 13 reviews
11.3.2012

Went into the movie not knowing anything about it. I was pleasantly surprised.

7/10
bevlovesvdo@ - 2 reviews
10.3.2012 - age: 36-49

You need to get off the computer and watch this!!!

10/10
lamarks@ - 10 reviews
8.3.2012 - age: 36-49

The Artist is a very enjoyable and well made film. It has however one major weakness. In the middle of the film when our hero is down on his luck the director pinches music used in Hitchcock's 1958 masterpiece Vertigo. It leaves you wondering what on earth is this music doing here and you start thinking about Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak. Finally at the end of the film I did not see any mention of indebtedness to Hitch or Vertigo. Not a good sign.

7/10
jnropt@ - 3 reviews
8.3.2012 - age: 50+

It is an excellent movie and I can see why it won for Best movie. The actors are very good too.

9/10
mariette.robichaud@ - 263 reviews
7.3.2012 - age: 50+

I had heard that this movie was going to win Best Picture. My reaction was "you have got to be kidding." When I walked out of the theatre I thought, "Well, Ok, I saw it. I don't want to see it again". In fact, I don't ever want to see another black/white film. This was boring and silly. I have no idea why anyone bothered to make it, but I am certainly in the minority on this one.

5/10
mariannebeasley@ - 3 reviews
7.3.2012 - age: 50+

This movie was just a regular movie done without sound or colour. Quite boring. If this had been playing on television, I would have turned it off and found something else. Not saying that all silent movies are boring, just this one.

4/10
readlikethewind@ - first review
6.3.2012 - age: 50+

For me, watching The Artist was a movie experience like no other I have had. The first half hour of the film was a little awkward for me, in that it was stark. No dialogue, or sound effects, and it forced me to pay even more attention to the subtleties of body gestures, and especially their faces. And because of this, you are emotionally engaged and committed to the story. If you have a very low attention span, this film may be a challenge for you. A great timely and timeless plot to this film. Much, much better than Act of Valor.

10/10
andrewpaulchang@ - 9 reviews
6.3.2012 - age: 36-49

Yeah The Artist is silent, and black and white is, why would you see it? Because it's a very well acted entertaining funny fun movie. John the lead actor is pretty great and also has a good smile. In the end you wil enjoy The Artist.

8/10
canadian_4life_26@ - 17 reviews
5.3.2012 - age: 18-25

True masterpiece. Definitely a must watch.

10/10
ngm@ - 6 reviews
3.3.2012 - age: 26-35

Very disappointing. I can't believe Jean Dujardin won an Oscar for best actor. Not because Mr. Dujardin is not a good actor, but the part he plays in this movie does not merit an award. It's definitely not a complicated role to play. The film is long and at times, very boring.

3/10
marflan@ - first review
3.3.2012 - age: 50+

Excellent movie. Juan Dujardian and Berenice Bejo's ability to act is a masterpiece!

9/10
emanuel_val@ - first review
2.3.2012 - age: 18-25

This movie deserves all the accolades it has been getting and certainly was destined to lay claim to the Oscar for Best Picture of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. What a wonderful afternoon I had at the theatre! Kudos!!

10/10
jdbecker@ - 73 reviews
2.3.2012 - age: 50+

Perfect --no screeching tires -dolby sound up too high, no pyrotechnics instead of plot and good acting, this refreshing change captured emotions and was a joyful experience.

9/10
jddleonard@ - first review
1.3.2012 - age: 50+

This is pure entertainment, a masterpiece. To act with such expression and emotion that conveys a visual story is what true cinema is. Once in a generation are we privileged to enjoy such genius and vision.

10/10
aquacraft77@ - first review
1.3.2012 - age: 50+ - One reply

This movie make my day, month, year... Jean Dujardin IS a silent movie star and it is not hard to agree that he should win the BEST actor Oscar. Congratulations on the risk taken to make this very unusual movie for our times. A definite MUST see!!

9/10
freddyliscious@ - 3 reviews
1.3.2012 - age: 36-49

This is a silent, black and white movie shot in 2011 starring principally Jean Dujardin (George Valentin) and Berenice Bejo (Peppy Miller), actor and actress who were not even born at the time of real silent movies in 1920s. In fact," The Artist" pays tribute to silent movies of former days until around 1932 when finally the film ends with a talking scene and a Fred Astaire's style dance... It's an excellent and delightful drama/romance/comedy that must be seen. By the way," The Artist" won the Academy Award for Best Picture...

9/10
serge_nina@ - 193 reviews
29.2.2012 - age: 50+

It's a fine movie, but clearly has gotten tremendous accolades riding on the coattails of nostalgia. The way the academy received it, you'd think it was groundbreaking in the way Star Wars was in its heyday, or Avatar more recently. This it's not. It's a fine 'silent' picture, with marginally superior acting to movies done some 80 years ago, with a couple of good dance numbers, and just as simplistic a tale as was ever told those 80 years ago. Seemed to me Hollywood felt like patting itself on the back for not forgetting its roots and took the accolades way too far in the name of nostalgia.

6/10
dukenewkirk@ - 146 reviews
27.2.2012 - age: 36-49

This movie is very different from the mainstream cinematic production. This could be its greatest achievement. But, if you don't like silent movies, it will be a bit boring and seem pretentious on many levels. The story is predictable. Since it won the best picture Oscar award go see it or rent the DVD.

7/10
yyz2u@ - 7 reviews
27.2.2012 - age: 50+

A simple yet engaging riches-to-rags tale. Original screenplay, good actors and a cute dog. Sure to please most people.

8/10
carovu@ - 22 reviews
27.2.2012 - age: 50+

Too slow paced, not intertaing... overrated by the critics, overall, not for everyone.

6/10
iceman7603@ - 2 reviews
27.2.2012 - age: 26-35

Wow, truly amazing. In a age that everything is a remake, sequel, and same story, and has to have special effects and 3D... Sometimes, the simplest of concept done brilliantly can surpass most movies made today.

10/10
luckydan30@ - 89 reviews
26.2.2012 - age: 36-49

Gets my vote for best movie of the year... and best actor. Truly great movie... it's art at its best.

10/10
wmassage1@ - first review
26.2.2012 - age: 36-49

Delightful film. Really well done and Great exploration of sound. The music is fantastic!

9/10
banana6464@ - 29 reviews
25.2.2012 - age: 36-49

The silent movie "The Artist" exceeded my expectations. It was a unique experience, never a dull moment.

8/10
wschow@ - 9 reviews
22.2.2012 - age: 50+

A Masterpiece of Infantilism! Once more, as was the case for its cousin Hugo, a film arises for the sole purpose of feeding the Hollywoodista delight in itself! Little wonder, then, that Buddhist Bread grows soggy with mustard and relish in the Carpathia of Celluloid, for there is no people more schooled in navel-gazing than Hollywoodites. All the same, they should be warned that their focus has drifted into nether regions well below the navel and taken up residence in the sphincter, which, indeed, makes an unhappy home for the eyeball and sundry other organs, IMHO. Cheers to the producers, for recognizing that a hint of Panavision might lead the unseasoned viewer to the assumption that there was, indeed, some intention to pollute this film with any vitalizing aesthetic -- as well, the skilful eschewing of texture, richness, dimension, and angle assuredly complemented the minimalism that was achieved through muting all voices -- to say nothing of having the film take place in silence. Feel free to step out for popcorn or washroom break at any moment, for we approach, in this production, the famous French exhibition of the late 1950's called "Compositions in White", at which a celebrated artist bilked his public out of Franc millions by selling them canvas painted white, in white frames, for hundreds of thousands each."C'est fantastique, n'est ce pas! C'est l'arte!" I shall never forgive my grandmother for wasting my inheritance on that ridiculous symbol of bourgeois ignorance and greed." For those of you who treat yourself as sophisticates of the medium because you are able to enjoy a production of this sort, let me inform you: Cinema does not take place upon the screen, it takes place in the imagination. While it is true that the first years of cinema, as I suggested in my review of Hugo, capitalized on the aiwos of the animate, motion, like rainbows and other curiosities that cannot hold a child's attention for more than a dozen seconds, was doomed to a marginal life as a monolithic form of aesthetic representation. If the reasons elude you, may I suggest Hegel's Vorlesungen über die Ästhetik (and, for the ignorant and uneducated among you, may I recommend the Knox translation, usually in two volumes, entitled, Hegel's Aesthetics) One grossly underestimates the significance of sound in cinema, that is to say, and it has been grossly underestimated in its own history. But I can only hint in commentaries such as these, I cannot, sadly, educate. And, therefore, I must conclude by adding that, if there is any redeeming feature in this film, it is its ability to provide a context for the commentary that I offer. Put simply, the spoken word thickens the screen – pulls the flat surface into an orb that expands in all directions, making what had been a two-dimensional, 16 foot surface into a boundless universe. Always with one ear to Heidegger's whispering counsel that speech, in particular, makes present the absent, and absent the present, we recognize that it is the universe of symbols, not merely images and presence that 'es gibt', that gives being. Gutting the film of language, the producers gutted it of imagination as well, and thus they learned, one hundred years later, in the manner of an ereignis in the form of a historical return, that the silent picture is most particularly dead when it is alive. And this is because silence that is not infected by imagination, silence without the diversity of language, is not present -- in such a silence, only cliché is capable of organizing plot. That is why the storyline of this film is a trivia; and also why nothing about it exceeds the possibilities of a 1935 silent movie. In God's name, if you want to watch a 1932 silent film, go through the catalogue of Charlie Chaplin! Perhaps every hundred years it is necessary to dig a corpse out its grave and kick it, thereby proving to ourselves that it is, indeed, dead; and, should that be the case, then we owe the producer our gratitude. Otherwise, it is a film for poseurs, which is what I called a man three rows behind me when he stood up and applauded at the end. Upon his doing so, for the sake of my art, I myself stood up, pointed at him before his seat, and said," You, sir, are an imposter -- an aesthetic pretender! You know nothing of cinema, you know nothing of narrative form, and you know nothing of art! You know only your ego, which is like an hydrocephalic head in juxtaposition against the body of your judgment! A poseur, sir, I say to you! Indeed you are a poseur!" He could only hang his head in shame. Well, I have said too much -- truly, like Nietzsche, I have come too soon.

10/10
basilherringboneiii@ - 116 reviews
21.2.2012 - age: 13-17 - 5 replies