The Independent Spirit Award nominations were announced this week, and there was a surprise at the head of the pack – a black-and-white, silent film!
“The Artist” tells the story of a 1920s silent movie actor, played by Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Jean Dujardin, who finds his career threatened with the rise of “talkies,” while an actress, played by Bérénice Bejo, is on the rise to success.
toofab caught up with two ladies who have silent film in their blood, Charlie Chaplin's granddaughters – fashion icons and filmmakers in their own right – Dolores and Carmen Chaplin. The ladies talked to us about the beauty of black-and-white movies, why audiences will connect with this film, and also dish on the gorgeous fashion found in the flick.
toofab: What did you think when you first saw “The Artist?”
Chaplin: I thought it was wonderful! I actually enjoyed it even more the second time around, because of all of the details I missed the first time. It was great and it was very exciting, because when you see it today it feels like there is something very fresh and new about it.
toofab: Why do you think audiences today will connect with the film?
Chaplin: I think it's a new and different experience to see a silent movie on the big screen today. I mean, there are not that many projectors and if you're a movie buff you get to see all the great dramatics; but I think for younger generations this will be a new experience, and it's a beautiful film.
There are so many references to different silent movies, it's very interesting to see, and I think it's great to see in the cinema because you can get the experience with other people and the community. I just really loved seeing it with a full cinema, when people laugh and cry, the emotions are very spontaneous so you really feel the emotion all together.
toofab: Do you think Hollywood should make more films like this?
Chaplin: Yes, I think black and white is so beautiful! I would love to make a film in black and white. This film, and others like this, you watch them today and they feel so fresh. It's something that's timeless.
toofab: Tell us about the fashion in the movie. What were your favorite pieces?
Chaplin: All of the dresses were lovely! I loved the amazing sweater piece that was wrapped around her body, it was really beautiful. I don't wear fur usually, but it was vintage.
toofab: You are familiar with films of this era because of your grandfather. How well did the filmmakers do in getting the clothes just right? The look? The tone?
Chaplin: I think it was beautiful! The clothes for the time were perfect. You feel a lot of inspiration from the 20s so it's these amazing colors and gold bouquets on the design of the dresses. I think the film seemed very accurate.
toofab: What is up next for you both?
Chaplin: I've just worked on some projects that will be released in the coming year, and another French movie, it's a short film that's now going into festivals. We're getting ready for the feature film ["Bombay Nights," an exotic take on “Breakfast at Tiffany's,” to be shot in Mumbai next year].
“The Artist” is out in select cities right now, check out the trailer above!
