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Rating: 5 out of 5
If you are looking for a movie that takes it back to the old school ways, then The Artist is that film. I’m not talking about the old school black and white films which this film is. I’m talking about taking it back to the silent film era. The time of the 1920s. The true CLASSICS of cinema. The ones where people speak like for a good 2 minutes and only one word shows up. Oh, the silent films. How great you were in the past. If you are not used to silent films like myself, this film will catch you way off guard. Hell! I watched the first 10 minutes and was like, “I’m not going to hear any sound besides the music.” This is where true artistry and movie making lies. Making a very entertaining and compelling story without any real dialogue heard. Oh, by the way, this movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture AND Best Actor!
What is The Artist about?? Well, the film starts off in 1927. We are introduced to silent film star George Valentin (Dujardin), who is backstage looking at his latest film with his cute little dog, wife, and studio head. Now, let me take a second to talk about going to see a silent film from this movie perspective. It is like going to the ultimate show. You dress up to the nines! Then there is an orchestra that plays music along with the film. Every once in a while, a dialogue pops up. Well, this is where you might get thrown off with this film. All you hear is the music. When Valentin comes out to the applause of the audience, YOU HEAR NOTHING! Once again, just the music and that is it for all the movie. Sorry for getting sidetracked.
The movie proceeds when Peppy Miller (Bejo) accidentally bumping into Valentin while at his movie premiere. In pure actor form, Valentin reacts with smiles and humor while showing off the beautiful Peppy for the cameras. The next day, Peppy makes headline news on Variety front page by being called “Who’s That Girl?” Peppy takes this stroke of luck to get a role as a dancer and a recommendation from Valentin in his next film. While performing a scene where they dance together, Valentin and Peppy show great chemistry, despite her being merely an extra. With a little help, Valentin draws a beauty spot on Peppy that will become part of her trademark look. Peppy slowly rises through the industry, earning more prominent starring roles.
Well, like all film actors, some get old and can’t change with the times. This is where the movie story excels. Two years later, change has come with the introduction of “talkies,” movies where you can actually hear freakin’ dialogue. It is a GAME CHANGER in the movie industry. While in a viewing meeting with studio boss Al Zimmer (Goodman), Valentin believes that the new way of film is a fad and dismisses the whole concept. Well, Zimmer decides to end all production of silent films. Here is where the very first sound, besides the music, comes into play. While having a dream, Valentin starts hearing the sounds of people laughing and the environment around him. Sound is heard two more times after this. This also begins the downward spiral for Valentin. Like many actors whose career is crashing and burning, he decides to make a movie with his own money. Why the hell people always resort to that. Save them funds! Well, he makes a movie, and it BOMBS, along with the stock market crashing.
In the end, the dude is BROKE!! On the other side of the coin, Peppy’s career is BOOMING! Homegirl is the new IT girl, and nothing can stop her. The movie shows each of them meeting each other and Peppy deeply in love with Valentin. In the end, Valentin’s career is restored with Peppy’s help and some of the best tap dancing you will see. They were tap dancing like the late, great Gregory Hines. Them feet were moving. This is when you hear actual dialogue at the director says CUT to which Zimmer adds: “Perfect. Beautiful. Could you give me just one more?” In his only audible line, Valentin says, “With pleasure,” revealing a French accent.
I found this movie extremely entertaining. It actually will make you follow the storyline of the film, and that is what is great about this film. We are so used to hearing people speak in a movie that this was actually a refreshing change. I can tell you that my mind was going crazy because I was looking for the remote to turn up the volume or figure out if something was wrong. I actually stopped the movie and looked on Wikipedia to find out that this movie is a representation of the silent film era. Touché and good move movie industry. The film is great because even though you don’t really know what the actors are saying, you can get a clear idea of what they are saying if that made any sense.
A significant aspect and subtle surprises in the film is the actual use of sound, rather than the music. The film presents sound and then dialogue, only three times in the whole movie. They come out of nowhere but also seem perfectly placed. The first time is during the dream that Valentin has. You only hear construction and some other sounds. It’s a small wake up and the realization that you are watching a silent movie. The second time is when Peppy’s movie career takes off. We actually hear singing in the film. The final time is all the way at the end of the film, when it seems like everyone is talking. Like I said, the film does a great job of progressing the sound in the movie.
I must say that the performances of Jean Dujardin as George Valentin and Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller were actually outstanding. You might ask how a film where you can’t actually hear anyone speak be good? Well, this was more on the expressions and just feel of the film. Dujardin and Bejo do it so very well. You don’t need dialogue when you see someone upset or yelling at you. You definitely don’t need dialogue when someone is piss ass drunk. Both actors played their roles perfectly. I think Dujardin must have the all-time record for the shortest dialogue to win an Academy Award. The dude said two words and won the award. That is some talent right there. Bejo is stunning in her role. I would get into the other character, but there are more than I can count.
Overall, The Artist is a great film to watch. It is highly enjoyable and has a fun atmosphere. The story is pretty standard with an egotistical actor losing everything because they can’t change with the times while a new girl rises through the ranks and becomes a major star. Dujardin and Bejo are amazing in this film. Please watch and enjoy this excellent movie.
