The Artist [PG]

Hollywood, 1927, George Valentin is a superstar of the silent movie screens, but when the future presents itself in the form of the talkies, this sounds the death knell for his career. Unable to make the transition, George falls into debt and despair whilst for a young starry-eyed extra of his acquaintance named Peppy Miller, the sky’s the limit and with the advent of the talkies, her career begins to soar. 

Winner of five Academy Awards including Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Picture, The Artist is a wholly bold and unmissable film. The first silent movie, aside from Mel Brook’s Silent Movie to grace our screens since the late 20s, The Artist was worth the accolades that it received, being completely charming, beautifully made, and introducing the silent movie to a generation that missed out. There is something enticing and even exhilarating about tracing the historical lines back to the beginning and The Artist was a beautiful and captivating look at a time when Hollywood was the centre of the universe and phenomenal careers were begun and sometimes finished in the blink of an eye. 

Hollywood, 1927, George Valentin is a superstar of the silent movie screens, but when the future presents itself in the form of the talkies, this sounds the death knell for his career. Unable to make the transition, George falls into debt and despair whilst for a young starry-eyed extra of his acquaintance named Peppy Miller, the sky’s the limit and with the advent of the talkies, her career begins to soar. 

Well, as it’s a silent movie, we must first draw attention to the spellbindingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Ludovic Bource. The balanced score of swinging jazz, sinister bass, and unendurably sad violins went hand in hand with the performances from the cast to force the audience into fits of hysterics one instant and uncontrollable tears the next. The music was absolutely beautiful. 

The cinematography and general direction was just gorgeous as well. The soft tones of black and white added with the simple and soft camera work brought elegance to the film as well as a forceful and empowering sense of drama during those more climactic and emotionally vivid scenes. 

The performance from Jean Dujardin was just mesmerising! I haven’t seen that many silent films before, really only Metropolis, but I loved, really loved, that the performances from everyone, but Jean in particular were not over exaggerated in any way, but completely genuine and real. All emotion was conveyed naturally and there was no need for any of the actors to indicate at all. The performances were just captivating. 

Starring Berenice Bejo, James Cromwell, Missi Pyle, John Goodman, and Malcolm McDowell, The Artist is a stunning film filled with drama, comedy, beautiful music, stunning costumes, and romance. It’s absolutely stunning!