Cinema goers complain after discovering 'The Artist' is silent

The first silent film to win major awards in over 90 years ‘The Artist’, has, rather ironically, got everyone talking.

The buzz of the Golden Globe-winning film hasn’t quite reached everyone however; as several people have been given refunds after complaining about the film’s lack of dialogue.

When going to see the film at an Odeon cinema in Liverpool, film fan Nicola Shearer, 25, was asked if she knew the film was silent. 

[See also: The Artist leads BAFTA nominations]

She did and enquired why the usher had asked in the first place.

"She then told me some people complained and asked for refunds because there is no sound and the screen is smaller,” Miss Shearer said (speaking to the Telegraph).

‘The Artist’ is presented in a smaller aspect ratio to mimic the films of the Golden Age of silent movies that director Michel Hazanavicius pays homage to.

The cinema first denied handing out refunds, before a spokesman changed their tune; "Odeon Liverpool One can confirm it has issued a small number of refunds to guests who were unaware that ‘The Artist’ was a silent film.

"The cinema is happy to offer guests a refund on their film choice is they raise concern with a member of staff within 10 minutes of the film starting."

[See also: Five things the Golden Globes tell us about the Oscars]

‘The Artist’ charts the end of the career of silent movie star George Valentin (played by Jean Dujardin) as “talkies” begin to thrive. As his career plummets he sees the career of love interest Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) sky-rocket as she becomes the first major star of the new era of film-making.

Supporting the relatively unknown but critically adored French leads are the likes of John Goodman, James Cromwell and Malcolm McDowell. And of course, Uggie the dog.

It picked up three Golden Globes at the weekend for Best Picture, Comedy or Musical, Best Actor, Comedy or Musical for Dujardin and Best Original Score.