A classic homage to classics.

Rating: 9/10 (1 February 2012)

The Artist is a true and lasting homage to the movies from the yesteryear. From the opening shot till the end credits, everything is a tribute to the endless series of classics produced during the silent era. That, however, is quite obvious!
What isn't obvious is this: if you forget the fact that you're watching a B&W silent movie in 1.33:1 aspect ratio with intertitles to represent conversations... irrespective of that, the movie is a real marvel! The technique that Michel Hazanavicius chose to craft this film is only half the story. The beauty lies in the screenplay... one of the best this year or maybe in the last 5 - 6 years. And... obviously, the actors.
George Valentin is a famous movie star from the silent era who brings an unknown woman named Peppy Miller into lime light by sharing a light moment with her during a movie premier. Within years, Peppy Miller turns into a big star herself while the advent of talkies throws Valentin out of business since he so adamantly holds on to the notion that he is an 'artist' and refuses to talk. The impoverished Valentin runs into many personal troubles while Peppy Miller secretly plays the 'Guardian Angel' and watches over him to the best of her capabilities. And there comes the inevitable conflict between love, pride and an artist's love for his own craft.
The screenplay flows like magic... it surprises you, sometimes it is delightfully predictable, sometimes it builds up to an edgy showdown interspersed only by witty humor. The comedy oscillates between slap stick, goofy fun to thoughtful and ironic satires! Almost all intertitles used are a metaphor. You're reminded of Charlie Chaplin, Sunset Boulevard, Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, Roman Holiday, and many other great movies and film personalities in one go. And the climax is a show stopper, quite unpredictable and very moving.
Jean Dujardin lives his character, breathes life into every move of George Valentin like a true prodigy. Same goes for Bérénice Bejo. Both weaved magic in the movie. The brilliant script of The Artist couldn't have seen the light of the day without these 'artists' in the cast. The acting styles used in this movie borrow heavily from pantomime and theatrical histrionics. But occasionally you get to see glimpses of very modern 21st century acting with muted emotions and stoic expression reminding you that this is not just homage, it is a cult classic in its own right and the director is ready to break all rules whenever the story calls for it. This carves out a new genre out of film noir. The lead pair truly deserve every award and accolade that comes their way. (And they both are a damn good dancer as well) James Cromwell plays a very brief but admirable part in this movie. John Goodman is appropriate.
There's just one thing which seemed a little out of place. The footage of George Valentin's successful movies shows some scene which contained certain special effects which were not usually possible in the 20s. I got the same feeling while watching the Nazi propaganda film in Inglorious Basterds. There are certain elements which couldn't have been that photo realistic back in the B&W era... at least, it usually didn't.
That apart, The Artist is a gem that deserves the Oscar buzz. Director - Michel Hazanavicius, take a bow. Cheers!