A Silent Roar

Rating: 8/10 (23 January 2012)

On the surface, "The Artist" wordlessly redefines charm. The film appears to be an homage to Silents. And pretends to be a Romance. But there's a lot more.
Tapping into the world zeitgeist, "The Artist" tips its Top Hat to the toughest economic times since the Depression - the era in which it's set. This film says (or doesn't) enough talk-talk-talk: in our darkest hour, heart and hope matter most, pride the least.
"The Artist" adds a smidge of warning: the world's people are more precious than the maniacal pursuits of governments hellbent on rushing us all toward oblivion. While quite entertaining solely as a film, subtext elevates "The Artist" into a masterpiece
Brilliantly referencing the smile-inducing films devoured by Thirties' moviegoers, "The Artist" is a rags-to-riches and riches-to-rags tale of a wildly popular Silent star and a hoofing extra whose paths and fortunes cross. Ms. Bejo sparkles as Peppy Miller. She's a swell gal and eternal optimist who owes her skyrocketing career to a no-strings-attached boost from Mr. Dujardin, George Valentin. He and 'The Dog' (Uggy) are swept aside by fickle audiences seeking a younger, fresher face - and new tricks. George's heart (and ours) is broken as scores pass by his self-financed, every-$-I-have, African-Adventure, silent Oater to line up for the new Peppy Talkie.
Peppy and George are neither romantically involved nor lovers. Their love is spiritual: pure, free, unbound from the physical. And their love story is a joy to watch.
There's a lot here derived from many Silent sources. Sure George and Peppy are composites of Silent icons, but it doesn't matter. "The Artist" is an irresistible film plumbing the past for a solution to our present. And there's a cute dog! And an uplifting George/Peppy dance number finale that's a WOW!
Don't say a word. Just see "The Artist."