Silence speaks volumes

Rating: 8/10 (9 April 2014)

"The Artist" is a movie about which you could honestly say, "They don't make 'em like that anymore". In an age of CGI-enhanced blockbusters, it's almost unfathomable that a silent picture would be greenlit at all. The fact that it wound up garnering five (well deserved) Oscars likely surpassed even the filmmakers' wildest dreams.
At once both timeless and contemporary, "The Artist" is a treasure for movie lovers. Although the plot borrows liberally from "Singin' in the Rain" and "A Star is Born", the story is nevertheless highly engrossing. Comedy and drama are expertly mixed to create an affecting love story replete with the feel of good old Hollywood entertainment.
In the film, silent movie star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) finds himself left behind by the advent of talking pictures while spunky newcomer Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) watches her career take off. Although they share a common bond, George's stubborn pride seems destined to keep them apart.
The leads are fantastic, especially Dujardin, who found himself rewarded with an Oscar for his efforts. His effortless charm evokes memories of Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn. Bejo, meanwhile, contributes a sterling performance of her own. In supporting roles, there's notable work from John Goodman, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle and, particularly, James Cromwell as George's steadfastly loyal chauffeur. And let's not forget Uggie, the dog (seriously).
In terms of filmmaking craft, the movie is exceptional. The Oscar-winning direction of Michel Hazanavicius is continually playful and inventive. Being a silent film, the score is especially important, and composer Ludovic Bource did not disappoint. His Oscar-winning score is one of the movie's strong points. Another Oscar was awarded for the period costume design, while the cinematography, editing & art direction were all recognized with nominations.
Taken altogether, the movie excels both as art and entertainment. While I feel that the combination of comedy and drama may not be quite as finely balanced as it could be, that is a minor point in the scheme of things. "The Artist" is a deserving Best Picture Oscar winner and well worth anyone's time, regardless of their feelings about silent movies.