The Artist

Motion Pictures are one of the earliest nicknames for the cinema. Like shaking a rattle in a baby’s face the public was fascinated with every moving imagine on the screen. Young, handsome, athletic actors would drive fast, ride horses, and cross swords to entertain the masses. An expressive face was like money in the bank and in the earliest days of cinema it was not uncommon for an actor to write, direct and produce. It was a fledgling industry and there were no rules. It was the time of the artist and talent ruled.

The movie The Artist begins by introducing us to our star George Valentin played by Jean Dujardin. He is handsome, dashing, charming and a total ham. He has just screened his latest film and now he is basking in the glow of accolades. When he leaves the theatre he is met by the press and legions of adoring fans. A young woman (Berenice Bejo), standing behind a velvet rope, is looking on with admiration. In an instant she is pushed by the crowd and finds herself crashing into George Valentin. He is shocked, bemused and then erupts in laughter. Peppy Miller has just had a Hollywood moment and soon she’ll become a media star.

Trading on her brush with fame Peppy lands herself a job as a background actor. That assignment brings Peppy her next and soon she is on her way to a career of her own. Peppy Miller is fresh, animated and full of life. She is determined to make her mark and she has the talent and looks to do it. But what Peppy really has is a wonderful voice and personality. When the silent era ends, this will be her ticket to stardom.

The Artist is an unusual movie in that it was made in black and white and has no spoken dialogue. We have a musical score and a smattering of sound effects, but for the most part it is a silent film. The other unusual thing about this movie is that it is written and directed by a French man (Michel Hazanavicius) stars two French actors (Dujardin and Bejo) but was filmed in Los Angeles and features American favorites such as John Goodman, James Cromwell and Penelope Ann Miller. This film is absolutely a testament to old Hollywood and really captures the joy, glamour and pathos of that time. It is a very special film and a cinematic treat. It can be enjoyed by any age and by people of any language, that was the beauty of silent film. This tribute celebrates that magical era and everyone will find it a delight.

Rating: Must See A tribute to the silent era