With Jean Dujardin’s charming demeanor leading the way, the performances are universally excellent.
Back in 2012, during awards season, it felt like everyone was buzzing about The Artist. At the Academy Awards, the film garnered 10 nominations and walked away with 5 wins (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, and Best Musical Score.) Yet, in 2023, no one ever talks about this movie. I don’t know anyone who’s seen it. When I mention it, it barely gets any recognition at all. When I found the Blu-ray in the clearance section of a local used movie store, I bought it out of curiosity. How could a film so highly acclaimed eleven years ago have become so forgotten?
Did people feel guilty about buying into the film’s gimmick? The movie is, after all, an oddity in modern cinema: a mostly silent, black and white picture featuring two French actors. Were people ashamed that a film that features no violence or sex captivated them for a short time? In any event, I watched The Artist and found myself completely captivated.
The story revolves around George Valentin (Jean Dujardin,) a dashing silent movie action star. Outside the premiere of his latest film, he bumps into a young woman named Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo.) They share a cute moment and a kiss on the cheek as a photographer snaps their picture. The next day, the entertainment media want to know who she is and why she caught the attention of the world’s biggest star.
The film then follows the trajectories of both of their careers. As they cross paths in different situations, their respective place in the Hollywood hierarchy influences each encounter. Yet, there is always something that draws them to each other. A connection that manages to survive for years despite their success or lack thereof.
The Artist possesses an infectious quality that had me pulling for George and Peppy to admit that they’re meant to be together. Maybe this is the feeling my wife has when she watches those ridiculous Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. Inexplicably, I didn’t care that the movie was silent. Or in black and white. Or filmed in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Despite all of the trappings of a silent movie, I was hyper-focused on the characters. And the story, while predictable, still had my full attention.
With Jean Dujardin’s charming demeanor leading the way, the performances are universally excellent. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves immensely. Even when things get a bit dark, there’s still hope that is allowed to shine through. The humor is genuine. The emotions are too.
As counter-programming to the focus group-pleasing movies that are pumped out by studios these days, The Artist feels like a refreshing palate cleanser.
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
