2022 HOT DOCS FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Marcel Marceau is one of the most influential silent actors of all time, reaching viewers through his impeccable talent and ability to beautifully express the realities of the world in which he existed. Most well known for his portrayal of Bip the Clown, Marceau still remains one of the greats in the world of silent acting. The Art of Silence sees a number of individuals expressing their admiration for the talented Marceau and telling the world all about the impact that he’s had on their lives.
Acting has changed, comedy has changed, but it’s made clear throughout The Art of Silence that laughter has remained the same. Not only does it sound the same, it plays the same role in our lives. They say that “laughter is the best medicine,” and, based on what is seen in The Art of Silence, that’s true. It’s easy to see what a profound impact Marceau had on the world–and that aspect will certainly interest everyone. Marceau has had a truly miraculous effect on the world, and The Art of Silence is a wonderfully touching tribute to the late actor.
Much like Marceau’s acting methods, The Art of Silence focuses on simplicity rather than in-your-face comedy. When you think of silent actors, you likely think first about Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin had a very slapstick approach toward comedy, and it worked wonders for him throughout the entirety of his career. Marceau had a different approach, one that many might consider more sophisticated–and that approach was equally effective for him. Through his sophisticated acting prowess, he’s enthralled the world, and The Art of Silence brilliantly expresses this sentiment.
I feel as if it goes without saying that The Art of Silence, in all of its simplicity, will not appeal to everyone. I believe that there will be a niche group of individuals that will be able to appreciate the documentary as a whole. Most will be able to understand and appreciate Marceau’s contribution to the visual arts and his thespian prowess, but being able to connect with how slowly the film moves will be more difficult. It may take a true cinephile to enjoy The Art of Silence in its entirety, but those willing to take the plunge will come out with something. Beyond Marceau, The Art of Silence travels outside of the world of cinema and acting, and it turns toward the massive events that occurred during the Marceau era. Again, it will take a certain type of person to appreciate everything about The Art of Silence, but the fact that it’s able to touch on such a wide-range of topics permits it the ability to provide something (even if it’s small) for everyone.
My knowledge of Marceau prior to viewing the documentary was limited. Sadly, all that I had known about the actor was that Joey (Matt LeBlanc) had done a good Marcel Marceau impression in the famous television series Friends. I had to do a little bit of research prior to watching The Art of Silence in order to prepare myself for the film. My research, like my prior knowledge, was limited, and nearly everything that I know about the man comes as a result of the beautifully developed The Art of Silence. The film provides viewers with so much information that those viewers almost feel as if they had known Marceau.
From the moment the film began I fell in love, and there’s one person that allowed my love for the documentary to grow, Christophe Staerkle. Staerkle, a pantomime that was born deaf, tells all about his life, his connection to Marceau, and what it’s like to be deaf. He makes a comment slightly more than halfway through The Art of Silence, something equivalent to not wanting to be able to hear, and that the things he sees are enough for him. This is a man that loves who and what he is, but beyond that, his appreciation for everything that exists around him is more powerful than anyone I’ve ever met. He’s a testament to the strength of mankind, and his heartwarming story simply adds to the brilliance of The Art of Silence.
The Art of Silence is more than just a documentary about the life of Marcel Marceau, it’s a vibrant telling about the legacy that he has left behind and of all the good that he's done. From inspiring Michael Jackson’s moonwalk to giving a number of individuals purpose in life, Marceau was a force to be reckoned with. The Art of Silence pulls everything together, and the world gets an in-depth look at all the man had to offer.
*All screening information for The Art of Silence can be found by clicking HERE.
*All information for the 2022 Hot Docs Film Festival can be found by clicking HERE.
Written & Directed by Maurizius Staerkle Drux.
Starring Louis Chevalier, Daniel Loinger, Georges Loinger, Aurélia Marceau, Camille Marceau, Rob Mermin, Anne Sicco, Christoph Staerkle, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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