This is a very beautiful film, artistically speaking. The French crew that made this movie really tried to make it transcend traditional films by having it look exceptional through the use of wonderful camera-work, exquisite sets, great music, sumptuous costumes and a very slow and deliberate pace. While the film does look great, after a little while I also noticed that slow pacing! While it might have impacted the look and sound of the film, it really did need a bit of editing and the guy playing the creator of the automatons should have been told he, too, was not to emote and move as one as well! While none of this ruined the film, it did over time lessen the film's impact. And, frankly, by the time it was over, I felt pretty tired and was more than ready for it to end. This is all a real shame, though, as the basic plot is very interesting and the film has so much going for it. The film is still well worth seeing, but for a better paced "art film", try some of F. W. Murnau's or Fritz Lang's silent films--they've got a great look but just seem better paced.