Pure Delight
Joel on October 19th, 2011
I’ve had a rough go at attending VIFF over the last three years.
Year one was a seizure inducing, nearly-unwatchable art film about the loss of nature. Year two was a hodgepodge of short films ranging from brilliant and depressing to downright amateur. Year three was a tragic Spanish film that refused to give the audience anything to hope for.
So when fellow TGSer Linette asked me if I wanted to go see something last week at VIFF, I was a little hesitant. “Have a look at the list and let me know if you find anything interesting,” I said, admittedly half-committal. But when she emailed me with a short list that included The Artist, a silent film that made waves at Cannes, I had to say yes. I was so intrigued by the trailer that I’d put it on my short list of films to see this fall.
The show was sold out, but there was a chance rush tickets would be available. So we waited in line an hour before the show in the fall chill, holding on to hope that some tickets would be released just before the show.
We were in luck. We missed the first five minutes, and were given the worst seats in the house– two in the front row that caused neck cramps and discomfort through, but it didn’t matter. The film was pure delight. An artful crowd-pleaser that was both a tribute and a renewal of the silent film genre. The Artist is set to hit theatres again on November 23rd, and it’s one of those rare films that I am proud to recommend to anyone and everyone.
Mark your calendars.
- Joel
