The Artist

1) Describe the film.
The film was about a very talented actor during the silent film era, who is at his prime.  During his life of popularity, he encounters a fan, who in turn tries out to become an actor.  With the motivation of George Valentine, the male character, Peppy Miller makes her way towards stardom through "talking" pictures, while George is left in the dust and forgotten.  George attempts at becoming his own director, but the movie fails in a bust and he eventually goes broke, especially after the stock market crash.  With Peppy Miller becoming ever more famous and George Valentine becomes ever so depressed, things start to spiral downward and George Valentine's pride could drive him to the ground.

2) How is the story driven? By the characters or plot?
The story is driving by both.  We get into the very depressing and emotional part due to Valentine's pride, dragging him down.  However, he turns around because of the character, Peppy Miller, Valetine's love, brings he back to life.  The plot line also drives the story.  With the rising fame of Peppy Miller in her talkies, and the downward spiral Valentine endurs after being left in the technological dust.  Because of this exchange of success, Valentine's pride gets the best of him.

3) Talk about the cinematography. How was the use of lighting, acting, camera angles scene development used to help enhance the film?
With only black and white, the best effects to add were the contrast of light and dark.  One scene where this is effectively used is in the shot where Valentine knocks over the camera, and a beam of light shines towards the audience's perspective, giving the room a feeling of chaos and disorder, which was exactly what was happening.

4) What was you favorite scene from the film? Why? Describe the scene as well as how it was shot.
My favorite scene was in the beginning, where we see Valentine's true nature.  He is a jokester but also at the same time very pompous and self-centered.  We also see in the scene the showing of Valentine's movie.  The angle from which the camera is positioned inside the theater experiments with filming film and capturing the audience's opinions and emotions toward the film.

5) What is the experience of watching a silent film like? How does it relate to watching a "talkie"?
I first thought it was boring, and never would have watched it if I wasn't recommended by some many people.  It took more of looking at the characters and figuring things out for yourself on what is happening in the movie.  It's more difficult to understand and though-provoking.  You eventually get really into the film because you are focused on it so much, increasing your feelings toward the characters.  Compared to a talkie, it is more interactive.  It's not like a "talkie", where everything is told to the audience, resulting in a lack of thinking and interest in the piece.

6) Would you encourage others to view the film? Why or why not?
I highly recommend others to watch it.  Even if you can't stand silent films, it's important to understand where movies came from and not only get a history lesson, but experience a different work of art instead of just common, mindless humor that most production companies spew out today.