The Artist is Pure Art!

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2011)

I doubt as a reviewer I can say anything about this movie that hasn't already been saidbut as a filmmaker who has written and produced a film on the silent film era (Madcap Mabel) I can say plenty, starting with the sub-title to The Artist should be "Is Great". For starters, what the film does best is not overplay its concept. It is a silent film but it doesn't hit us over the head by playing to the public's general perception of what those films entailed. For instance, title cards and music are used sparingly and not as cliché devices catering to what people not familiar with the genre (in other wordsthe majority of the movie going audience) would expect to see. This not only gives one an appreciation for not being catered or dumbed down to, but allows the actors to truly earn their keep by "acting".
The story is simple but classicafter helping young starlet "Peppy Miller" (the name fits the character), movie idol "George Valentin" (the last name perhaps an homage to silent great Rudolph) falls on hard times and when the now famous actress he's helped tries to return the favor, his pride becomes his biggest demon. OK, we've seen this when James Mason's alcoholic binges destroyed him after making Judy Garland the title character in the classic A Star is Born. However, setting this theme in the silent movie era, using the advent of sound as the impetus which led to the title character's downfall (fueled of course by a drug more dangerous to an actor than alcohol"ego") was both ingenious and historically accurate as many a silent film star's career disappeared when sound first emerged from their mouths (as another classic, Singin' in The Rain, could attest).
The film's structure moves everything at a great pace. We see actor Valentin's subtle downfall from fame equally balanced with starlet Miller's rise and again without the usual clichés. The cinematography is as sharp as any classic black & white film and the few lines we do read from title cards are witty and clever. Finally, the ending which I will not give away, brings everything full circle.
Director Michel Hazanavicius should be applauded for not only attempting the risk of making a silent film about silent films in this day and age, but for writing a screenplay which not only brings together such classic themes, but doing it in ways that cleverly highlight the film's genre by using its silent limitations. I not only smell Oscar nomination herebut maybe Oscar itself.
Speaking of Oscarlead Actor Jean Dujardin should also be getting an early phone call on nomination day for his portrayal of the egotistical yet always classy fading star. As for lead Actress Berenice Bejoshe does the impossible by letting her natural beauty come second to her natural acting. Her performance combines comedy, tragedy and genuine emotion and one can't help wonder how great she would have been as an actual actress from that era. Her large expressive eyes which make one melt with every blink speak volumeswhich although an oxy-moron when discussing silent film is certainly true in this case. Her scene with a coat rack is hysterically-romantic and if the Academy gave an award for "Cute Dancing", her "Charleston" would be win handsor should I say "feet" down. In good supporting roles are Penelope Ann Miller as Valentin's long suffering wife "Doris", James Cromwell as his chauffeur /assistant "Clifton" and John Goodman as the blustery studio head "Al Zimmer" (another good name). And for all you pet loversyes, Valentin has a very talented dog that fills those "awwwww" moments.
The films only fault maybe it could put acting schools and teachers out of business for all aspiring thespians need do to learn the true craft of their vocation is to watch the heartfelt, well written and well directed performances in The Artist. As a silent movie buff I Iook at this film as a love letter to that bygone era and hope and expect it will renew and create interest in classic silent movies and silent movie stars. As a writer, producer, actor and general movie lover myself I give it as many stars as the talkies destroyed. In fact, I've already put in my pre-order on Amazon for the DVD, the insert of which I'm sure will feature the words "Academy Award Winner".