The Artist

Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell

Dir. Michel Hazanavicius
Scr. Michel Hazanavicius

I was sceptical about this movie. Beyond sceptical. I’m not too proud to say I ranted. A black and white silent film, sheesh. And, what’s more, a silent film set in the era of silent films, double sheesh. At least do something original like a modern day silent picture! And so on and so forth. Then I saw the trailer and realised there might be more to this film than meets the eye. And, well, it’s got a truckload of Oscar nominations, so I had to see it. And, thank goodness! This film is an absolute treat – it’s delightful, beautifully acted, surprising and heartfelt. I was utterly charmed and happily eat my ranting words.

The Artist begins in 1927 when the silent film is king. George Valentin (Dujardin) is a superstar (think Douglas Fairbanks Jnr). He’s rich and successful and he knows it. An accidental meeting leads to an almost-fling with budding actress Peppy Miller (Bejo), who goes on to great success in the future of cinema – talkies. Valentin, unfortunately, is too stubborn to have similar success and gets left behind by the new technology. In 1929, the economic crash sees Valentin lose his fortune and he falls on very hard times indeed. We follow the fortunes and tragedies of both Valentin and Miller, as their lives continue to intersect. I won’t spoil the ending but, let’s just say, it’s all Hollywood.

For a movie consumed by a certain technique (that I’m sure gave the filmmakers many a headache), The Artist is strangely compelling. Unlike many of the actual silent films of the 20s, director/writer Hazanavicius does not feel the need to give us much subtitled dialogue at all. He relies on the audience being able to read lips and read emotions. And this is hugely effective, helping to draw the viewer in and keep them hooked. Furthermore, this film is lush and beautiful, completely capturing an era. Clever too – listen out for some interesting use of sound at a couple of important moments. Which is cheating, sure, but who cares? And, of course, one of the most essential elements of a silent film is the music and the music in The Artist is soaring and moody and playful.

There is a fine line to walk for the actors in this movie: to convey emotion and humour and subtext without being too hammy. And, largely, they succeed. Bejo is beguiling and cute and, maybe, a little too much at times. But her character is young and suddenly successful and, well, who can blame her? She absolutely shines in her more emotionally poignant moments. The movie really does rest on the shoulders of Dujardin though and, boy, does he deliver. He is simply breathtaking throughout Valentin’s journey, with a thousand-watt smile and a wonderfully emotive face. While there is no doubting his charm, it was the real heart-breaking moments in which Dujardin showed his acting chops. I cannot praise his performance enough. Special mention also to Uggy, Valentin’s utterly adorable sidekick – I want him!

The Artist transports us back to a bygone era when men had eyebrows and knew how to use them. It’s imaginative, sassy, funny, dramatic and so much more. It will sucker you in and never let go. And I guarantee you’ll leave the cinema with a smile plastered on your face. Highly recommended and it deserves every award it gets.

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George Valentin: Look what you’ve become. You’ve become proud! You’ve become stupid!