This is the problem with language, and this is what makes silent movies fun, because the connection with them, me or the audience is not with the language. There’s no question of interpretation of what we are saying it’s just about feeling. You create your own story. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
When you look at the early-’30s movies, like King Kong, the codes of acting are very similar to those of silent movies. In some of the silent movies – the good ones, the ones done by the best directors – the acting is very, very natural. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
It’s about storytelling. The story is told through images. So with the cast, I had to make sure that the emotions were readable without sound… I know some great actors, if you turn off the sound, you don’t really know what they’re saying. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
I always loved silent movies. I was not a specialist, but I loved them. And when I started directing, I became really fascinated by the format – how it works, the device of the silent movie. It’s not the same form of expression as a talkie. The lack of sounds makes you participate in the storytelling. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
The fact that I made a special movie with an old-fashioned style – even if it’s a mix between with modern and old-fashioned things – must mean I feel both ways about change. In a way I’m resisting, but in a way adapting myself to the times. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
I thought ‘The Artist’ was a perfect way to find a good balance. The artistic challenge is obvious because the film is black-and-white and its silent, but I did my best to make the movie accessible and easy to watch. I really don’t want to make elitist movies. I really try hard to work for the audience. Audiences are smart. They get everything. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
There’s always been a struggle with filmmakers between art and industry, and you have to find a balance. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
To me the recognition of the audience is part of the filmmaking process. When you make a movie, it’s for them. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
I think we are at the very beginning of high changes, not only in terms of digital film, but in the way the movies will be screened, whether they’ll be screened on phones, on computers – on everything. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
When we were making the movie, winning awards for it wasn’t the point at all. We didn’t even have an American distributor. Michel Hazanavicius Read Quote
