Fading Star Falls for Emerging Ingenue in B&W Homage to Silent Era

The Artist

Rated PG-13 for a crude gesture and a disturbing image
Running time: 100 minutes
Drama, Romance, Comedy
Directed By:Michel Hazanavicius
Written By:Michel Hazanavicius
The Weinstein Company

In Theaters: Nov 25, 2011 Limited

Film Review by Kam Williams
Excellent (4 stars)

It is 1927, and George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is at the height of a flourishing career as a matinee idol. But that is also the year marking the introduction of talkies, an innovation which would soon signal the demise of the Silent Era.

Unfortunately, George is too pampered and insulated to appreciate the fact that sound is about to overhaul the movie industry, so he is caught by surprise when his services as a leading man are no longer in demand. Then, between the sudden loss of income and the Stock Market Crash of 1929, he ends up losing not only all his money but his shallow wife (Penelope Ann Miller) to boot.

After moving from a sprawling mansion to a modest apartment, George lays off the longtime chauffeur (James Cromwell) he can no longer afford. At this point, the dejected has-been feels like his only friend in the world is the Jack Russell Terrier (Uggie) that continues to love him unconditionally.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Hollywood, the fortunes of an emerging ingénue cut a sharp contrast to those of the fading film star. Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) owes a debt of gratitude to George who, despite an ugly rumor circulating in the tabloids, had still cast her as his dance partner in one of his pictures when she was just another unknown, aspiring actress.

Although sparks had flown between the two on the set back then, nothing had become of the mutual admiration. However, now, with Peppy on top of the world, the question is whether she will forget about the down on his luck icon who had once given her her big break.

The Artist photo

So unfolds The Artist, a silent, black & white throwback which unabashedly harks back to a bygone era. This cinematic masterpiece very eloquently endeavors to entertain while simultaneously chronicling a critical moment in the evolution of the art form. As such, it will undoubtedly prove to be a formidable force during awards season.

A silent love song that anyone who adores film can nonetheless hear, loud and clear!