The Artist

"I won't talk! I won't say a word!"

George Valentin (Dujardin) is the most popular silent film star.  At the premiere of his latest film, he literally bumps into a fan, Peppy Miller (Bejo).  They share a laugh and a few candid photos, which wins her a small spot in George's latest film.  Afterward, they share a moment, where he gives her a piece of advice: stand out from the crowd.  As a result, Peppy begins appearing in numerous films.

Meanwhile, the head of Kinograph Studios, Al Zimmer (Goodman), decides to start fresh with talking pictures and a new stable of lead actors and actresses.  George refuses to do talking pictures and finances his own silent film.  Peppy is signed to Kinograph Studios and stars in a new talking picture, which is set to premiere the same night as George's film.


There is no doubt in my mind why this film won the 2011 Academy Award for Best Picture... the plot is interesting and flows well.  The actors are incredible, very animated and engaging.  Yes, it is a silent film, shot in black and white, but it grabs you from the very beginning and keeps your attention until the credits roll.  Not many films, with sound and color and effects, can do that.

Jean Dujardin, in his English language film debut, is a charismatic leading man.  He also claimed the Oscar for his performance here.  He lights up the screen and demands your attention.  Berenice Bejo is equally as engaging.  Dujardin and Bejo have excellent chemistry, and have worked together before (in the French film, also directed by Michel Hazanavicius, OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies, which is in my queue to watch soon).  They are flanked by numerous well-known actors in small, but memorable roles.  I look forward to checking out more films featuring Dujardin and / or directed by Hazanavicius.

The dog, Uggie, is adorable and entertaining, without taking attention away from the human characters.  The dance scenes are fun and work well.  The soundtrack is great.  There is nothing about this film that I dislike.  What a great, uplifting film!

The Artist (2011) 100 minutes
Rated: PG-13 for a disturbing image and a crude gesture.
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Starring: Jean Dujardin as George Valentin
Berenice Bejo as Peppy Miller
James Cromwell as Clifton
John Goodman as Al Zimmer