"The Artist"

This is such a clever film! Our expectations were high, which is usually dangerous; but seeing it last night there was no feeling of let-down. It really has it all: glitz, drama, romance, comedy (lots of in-jokes), dancing, a bit of the surreal – and, reluctant as I am to admit it, a sympathetic dog. When all’s said, though, it left me curiously dry-eyed. I think I was turned off by the hero of the piece: his “Jeeves” was - on the other hand - delightful.

This photograph - taken in Nara when we were in Japan a couple of years ago - is of course of no relevance whatever to the film!