The golden hue of black and white silence and old-school charm

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 2011)

"The Artist" is an artist's film; a tribute to the golden age of movies. In 1927, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent film star at the height of success. When the studios turn their attention to talkies, George isn't ready to make the transition. He continues to watch the world in black & white and listen in silence.
If you haven't realized it yet, "The Artist" is a silent, black and white film, and it's great. Our hero, George Valentin, was created in the vain of the swashbuckling Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. He is funny, charming, charismatic; he can do comedies, dramas, action-adventures; he has a wife, adoring fans, and a dog. The dog is star number 2, capable of playing dead or dancing in step with George.
An adoring fan finds herself absorbing the spotlight after a chance meeting with George. Not only can she keep up with him, but the world is ready to hear the voice of Ms. Peppy Miller. She is not named "Peppy" by accident.
We have a delightful story of love; love of success, love of movies, and love between George and Peppy. Dujardin has a wonderful comedic touch to everything he does in this movie that the simple story line is helped along with a healthy dose of comedy. He turns serious when The Great Depression hits, but "The Artist" keeps chugging along with its original, uplifting score, inventive scenes, and a finale that brings us into the future.