The Artist

I'm sure most have heard of this film by now as we approach the run up to the Academy Awards and the ever present phrase du jour "Oscar Buzz." The Michel Hazanavicius-directed silent film takes the viewer back to the by gone era before "talkies" took over and changed the entertainment landscape. George Valentin (Jean DuJardin) is the dapper star of Hollywood silent films, at the top of his dramatic facial expression game. The only thing that could bring him down is his unhappy wife Doris, but even her low spirits don't seem to affect him. He knows things aren't great, but he loves what he does and it's a pretty great life. And that's enough, isn't it?

Enter the cute ham Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), who literally bumps into George outside a premiere of one of his films, an idealic meet-cute. When Peppy weasels her way onto the studio lot and wins a dancing spot in Mr. Valentin's current movie, sparks fly, but alas he's married and cannot act on them. George continues on making his film until a major development shifts the entire fabric of the industry. Films are now able to include voice recordings and the era of talking motion pictures has begun. Production is halted on all silent films at the studios and everyone scrambles to produce fresh new material taking advantage of this new development. This leaves George out in the cold, dropped by his studio just as Peppy is signed on, poised to become a big star. The movie progresses to an emotionally rewarding conclusion as we discover what will become of George, Peppy, and if there will ever be a George and Peppy.

Michel directs what's essentially a period rom-com and successfully updates it just enough to modern tastes. Now, I know some will still have a hard time sitting through a silent film, but those that open their minds will be rewarded with something fresh and charmingly entertaining. Both leads are excellent physical actors and lend exquisite old school feel to the movie aesthetic. Not to mention the brilliant addition of the canine companion for George Valentin. Just when things might get a little too down or a little slow for lack of dialogue, the pup steps in and delivers some much needed levity. I promise you this film is worth the effort to open your mind and fall under its spell.

5 out of 5

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Film Details at IMDB