When The Artist won the top Oscar on SunÂday night, critÂic Roger Ebert comÂpared it to an episode of The TwiÂlight Zone. “The AcadÂeÂmy Award for best picÂture went to a silent film in black and white,” he wrote. “Its vicÂtoÂry will send HolÂlyÂwood back to its think tanks.”
In this short film by Joe LaMatÂtiÂna of Last Call With CarÂson Daly, the writer and direcÂtor of The Artist, Michel HazÂanaviÂcius, talks about the chalÂlenge of holdÂing an audiÂence’s attenÂtion withÂout diaÂlogue, and the magÂic that hapÂpens when it’s done right. “There’s a very interÂestÂing process with silent movies,” HazÂanaviÂcius says. “The black and white and the lack of sound creÂates a mysÂtery.”
The Artist has taught audiÂences in the 21st cenÂtuÂry that silent films can be a delight. If you would like to explore some of the great films from the goldÂen age of silent cinÂeÂma, visÂit our colÂlecÂtion of 100 Free Silent Films: The Great ClasÂsics, which includes works by CharÂlie ChapÂlin, Buster Keaton, Fritz Lang, F.W. MurÂnau, G.W. PabÂst and many more. They’re all part of our bigÂger meta colÂlecÂtion of Free Movies.
RelatÂed ConÂtent:
65 Free CharÂlie ChapÂlin Films Online
Watch 10 of the GreatÂest Silent Films of All Time, All Free Online
In France HazÂanaviÂcius became cult in the 90’s with a nevÂer pubÂlished movie, which can only be seen now through the web. The ReaÂson: it’s a mashup from clasÂsic holÂlyÂwood films, and cleanÂing the rights would be imposÂsiÂble.
It can be seen here (but it’s in french lanÂguage): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PRtFewFDz4