Film: The Artist

The Artist tells the tale of George Valentin, one of the biggest stars of the silent movie era, and his difficulties adapting to sound movies. French director Michel Hazanavicius' experiment is a masterpiece. He breaks new ground and thus follows in the footsteps of prestigious french directors such as Goddard. By revisiting the silent movie genre he oddly creates a refreshing film that many viewers will enjoy.

It's useful to know a bit of film history before watching this movie. Up until the late 1920s, films were all silent. Live orchestras would have been present in theaters to provide the soundtrack. Silent film stars were hugely influential as audiences wanted to see their favorites on the silver screen. It was one said that MGM 'had more stars than there were in the sky.' That's a bold claim! Eventually technology advanced and sound could be added to film. Many of these stars failed to adapt to sound cinema, because of their accents or because they had to remain static due to how the technology worked (they would have to stand close enough to a microphone which would be hidden on set). George Valentin was one of the biggest stars who failed to smoothly transition to talking pictures.

The acting in The Artist is terrific. The expressions are as over the top and hilarious as one would expect from a silent movie. The chemistry between George Valentin and Peppy Miller dazzles. Valentin's little dog always amuses with his cute tricks. The soundtrack really adds to the tone which the movie tries to convey at any given time. The cinematography is generally standard issue, but there are a few amazing set pieces when the environment is used to convey a blatant meaning. For example, in one scene George Valentin walks by a theatre which states 'The Lonely Star' is showing.

The Artist really moves the audience. I was worried at the beginning when Valentin was introduced as an arrogant braggart, however, by the end of the movie I truly sympathized with his predicament. I've only seen a few movies able to produce this effect...and they both won a host of academy awards.

Honestly, I can say that this is the best film I have ever watched. I don't think I can recommend The Artist more highly...go watch it! 10/10