The Artist – A Sound(less) Experiment

Rating: 9/10 (6 March 2012)

Firstly, let us appreciate the guts of its producer, Thomas Langman, who made this experiment possible in the world that is filled with 3-D and CG films. Director Michel Hazanavicius took the audacious of task of making this silent wonder an eminently watchable film. The impeccable lead artistes—Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo— add glory on their part with their charming act. And the screen stealer is Uggie - a small dog, an accomplice of the protagonist. The story is set in the tumultuous years 1927-32 (a very crucial period for both cinema and politics). We are introduced to the world of George Valentin, a larger-than-life hero of Silent movie era. When talkies were talk of the town, Valentin reluctantly avoids (like Charlie Chaplin) the new form of Cinema. But for the unknown girl, Peppy Miller, who bumps into Geroge Valentin's show, gets the chance of acting in films. She even gets a valuable advice from the Superstar George Valentin how to become a star. From that moment a bond develops between these two. Later she uses the opportunity of acting in talkies and emerges as a well-known star. Like "A Star is Born," as the unwilling George is seeing depth of his career primarily due to his reluctance in acting talkies. At the same time, unknown Peppy Miller's fortune touches the sky. When the Geroge Valentin's agonized wife banishes him, he moves away from the house with his soulful companion - Uggie the dog. The shrewd dog also saves his master from the fire accident. When George is about to commit suicide, Peppy Miller enters and changes the course of his life with a novel proposal that Geroge can't refuse. Constructed upon this simple premise, the movie captures our attention. The primary reason is nothing but the lead artistes who alights the screen with their magnetic performances. The music is too good, so do the art work. Each and every scene is crafted with perfection, making this 100-minute movie a one-of-a-kind gem. The lead star Jean Dujardin ( a reputable French comedian) gets the continuous applause throughout the film for his flawless portrayal of the silent movie star. Likewise, the female lead artiste also gives an equally riveting performance. The facts behind the making of this movie are equally amazing. The movie is shot in colour and while post-production changed into black and white. Barring a few dialogues at the end, the entire movie has no spoken word. Like the silent films, captions provided wherever necessary. The scenes are constructed in such a manner there is no need for dialogues. For the final 2-minutes song sequence alone, the lead artistes rehearsed for almost 6-months! Totally there are three dogs enacted the role of Uggie. Like the good old silent films, the filmmaker used plenty of close-ups and humour-inducing scenes to makes the show live and brisk. Eventually the movie got rousing reception wherever it screened and got countless number of awards, including the prestigious Best Picture Academy Award at Oscars. Evoking the memories of bygone era, the filmmaker created a compelling film that is worthy to watch and cherish. Deeply moving, gently heartwarming, the Artist is a standout drama that will transport you to the glorified days of silent era - an immensely gratifying experience. If you have a time, watch this film. Otherwise, make some time to watch this marvel. R. Srinivasan