A classic of warmth, wit and charm

Rating: 9/10 (4 January 2013)

'The Artist' is a sheer joy to witness from beginning to end. Why? Well, because it feels like such a breath of fresh air. In recent years, we have become accustomed to overblown CGI-fests, increasingly unfunny comedies and irritatingly saccharine melodramas. Then, out of nowhere along comes Michael Hazavanicius with a silent film shot entirely in black and white letterbox 4x3. To everyone's surprise it became an unprecedented hit both in terms of box office and critically, eventually garnering seven BAFTAs, three golden Globes and seven Academy Awards, winning Best Picture in the case of each, becoming the first silent movie to win the Best Picture Oscar since 'Wings' and 'Sunrise' both did so at the very first Academy Awards and the first black and white film to win since Steven Spielberg's 'Schindler's List', in 1993.
Sharing similarities with the brilliant 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'A Star is Born', the film centres on George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) a silent film star much-loved audiences. His fame is soon scuppered, when, in 1927 silent cinema is replaced the "talkies". Despite this, George decides to continue with what he does best, whilst Peppy Miller (a radiant Bérénice Bejo) a young actress rises to fame as the "talkies" continue to rise in popularity.
Akin to Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo', this film is clearly in love with early cinema, however unlike that film, Michael Hazavanicius populates 'The Artist' with irresistibly charming characters, and yes, that includes Uggie's enthralling turn as Jack. From the moment it begins to its wonderful finale, the movie's heart never stops beating. Its deep love for silent movies reverberates off the screen, helping to transport us back to an earlier time, immersing the viewer in the story.
It is also propelled by its two main players, Dujardin and Bejo. He gives George the movie star charisma with one gleaming smile, not entirely dissimilar to sleek good-looks of Gene Kelly. Even in his quieter and most thoughtful moments, the brilliance of his performance never falters, applying the character with depth and ripe emotion, despite the seldom appearance of title cards. Despite being a relative newcomer (she also appeared Hazavanicius 2006 spy-parody 'OSS 117: Cairo Nest of Spies'), Bejo manages to epitomize the kind of female film star that was so popular; she is positively gorgeous and captivating to watch, enjoying some great scenes with Dujardin. A third-act dance number between the two is a pure delight to witness. There are also appearances from more-familiar faces throughout, such as Malcolm McDowell, John Goodman and James Cromwell. Also worth a mention is Uggie who plays Valentin's dog Jack, offering some of the film's most amusing comic beats.
But this is more than just a love letter to silent cinema, because when you put aside all its old-fashioned filming techniques, this is an emotional film about love and loss, something our leading man has to grapple with over the course of its narrative. However, this is not some kind of dour drama, but the sort of film that leaves you smiling from ear-to-ear by the time the credits roll. It was so uplifting in fact, that during the closing scene, I found it difficult to remain seated the joy was so much. What a wonderful film 'The Artist' is. It is truly magical; a cinema lover's dream and also a fantastically enjoyable film for more casual viewers. I absolutely adore this film.